Obituary of Joyce Louise Rushin

Joyce Louise Rushin was the youngest of nine children born to Thomas and Ella (Wilson) Cowherd on October 24th, 1931. Joyce realized the importance of family early in her life, having lost her mother, Ella, before she turned 14. Joyce was raised with the rest of siblings by her sister, Catherine, creating a strong bond between them all. Upon graduating from Crispus Attucks, Joyce found work at a tuberculosis treatment and rehabilitation facility called Sunnyside. Here was where she first discovered and developed her gift in providing care for others. At the age of 18, Joyce met her late husband James Rushin, and married April 8th, 1950; they happily shared 18 years of marriage before his passing. From that union they had six children: four handsome sons (James, Charles, Edward and Lee) and two beautiful daughters (Lemar and Joyce). After her marriage to James, Joyce become a happy, faithfully attending member of Bethel AME church, characterized in the wonderful outfits and hats she’d wear. Joyce continued investing in her interests in helping others by taking psychiatry and child development classes at Butler University. Joyce, in connection with her husband’s and children’s interest, became a Boy Scout Den Mother. She was also her husband’s official secretary for business during tax preparation season, as well as being active in the school PTA. After independently raising her six children, Joyce eventually re-entered the workforce at 45, working part time at a senior care facility named, Americana; and she found reward in her work with elderly patients. It wasn’t long before she shifted to working full-time. As life progressed, new interests emerged. Joyce, now a grandmother, discovered that working with children was her real passion. Joyce sought work first at a children’s daycare before becoming a teaching assistant at St. Mary’s Childcare, a place Joyce truly found joy in even after she retired. Her face would light up when she talked about her “children” there. Joyce loved to laugh and had a quick wit. She was resilient, streetwise and sassy; and her signature color was Red. Joyce had a skill at knowing when to come across like a force of nature or just as “polite as a Southern Belle” to put you in your place. Joyce transitioned on Oct 15th, 2021, at the age of 89, surrounded by loved ones. She was preceded in death by her husband James Rushin, her parents, eight siblings, her two sons James and Charles Rushin and grandsons Antonio Thacker and Andrew Moreland. She is survived by her sons, Edward Rushin and Lee (Octavia) Rushin, daughters Lemar (Clarence) Moreland and Joyce Rushin; over 16 grandchildren, over 20 great- grandchildren, over 8 great-great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, and a multitude cousins and friends.