Joyce Rae Blackburn

Joyce Rae Blackburn, 94, of Brownsburg and formerly of Terre Haute, passed away on Sunday, May 9, 2021, at home, surrounded by her family. She was born on January 23, 1927, in Detroit, Michigan to Joseph S. and Mary Elizabeth (Boling) O’Rourke.

Joyce is survived by her son, Michael Joseph Blackburn and wife Luanne of Whitestown; daughter, Diane Cox and husband Greg of Brownsburg; grandchildren, Mary Cole and husband Zach of Allen, TX, Joshua Blackburn and wife Janiece of Indianapolis, Lucy Blackburn of Indianapolis, Caleb Cox and wife Stacy of Brownsburg; and Brandon Blackburn of Whitestown; three great-grandchildren, Ben and Samantha Cole and Nolan Blackburn; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 70 years, Glenn Walter Blackburn.

Joyce was a teacher for 36 years and retired from the Vigo County School Corporation, on the staff at Otter Creek Middle School, teaching English when she retired. She was a member of the Indiana State Retired Teachers Association, Vigo County Retired Teachers Association, and the Women’s Department Club.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Roselawn Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 14 at the funeral home with Pastor David Kanaversky officiating. Joyce will be laid to rest next to her husband in Roselawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Terre Haute Humane Society. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.roselawnfuneralhome.net