Joyce Norine (Palmer) Proffer, 94, of Seymour, Indiana passed away Wednesday, April 10, 2024. She was born January 4, 1930 in Southern Pines, North Carolina, to the late Marion and Lola (Johnston) Palmer.

After graduating from Southern Pines High School, Joyce married Byron “Bob” Stanley Proffer on June 19, 1949. She greatly enjoyed working many years as a school secretary, first in Southern Pines and later as the secretary to the Superintendent of Cumberland County Schools in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Joyce and Byron enjoyed 44 years of marriage before his death in 1994. As a career Army soldier, Bob’s assignments would take the family all over the country and even overseas. Most notably, Joyce enjoyed their time in Bangkok, Thailand.

Despite having moved around so much with the Army, Joyce never had any trouble making new friends. Her bubbly personality and her hospitality drew people to her. She would hug people that she had just met and tell them, “I’m a hugger!” She loved to tell stories of growing up in the sandhills of North Carolina, her travels, and of her grandchildren, whom she loved dearly.

Joyce loved the Lord and joined a church and Bible studies wherever she lived. She also loved reading and had a vast knowledge of history along with an incredible memory. Joyce also loved game shows, especially “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy!”

Central to Joyce’s life, were her three sisters, Jean, Betty Lou, and Margie. The four were known as “the Palmer gals” to friends and family and continued to stay close-knit as they raised families and moved far and wide. Joyce also had numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly.

Joyce is survived by her children, Donald Proffer of Seymour, Brenda “Joy” Weaver of Seymour, and Capt. David “Dave” (Glenda) Proffer, USAF, retired, of Seymour; seven grandchildren, Taren (Paul) Wilkinson, Joseph Proffer, Samuel (Heather) Proffer, Nicholas Proffer, Michael Proffer, William Proffer and Wesley Proffer; six great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Maj. Byron “Bob” Proffer, USA, retired; her parents, listed above; her sisters, Jean Fox, Betty Lou Monroe, and Margie Brown; and one grandson, Andrew David Proffer.

A service of remembrance will be held Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 1:00 pm at Voss & Sons Funeral Home, 316 North Chestnut Street, Seymour. Pastor Tyler Tolbert of Central Christian Church will officiate. Friends may visit with the family on Saturday from 11:00 am until the time of the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the American Diabetes Association.

You are invited to visit our website, vossfuneralservice.com, to leave condolences, share a memory or to order flowers for the family.

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