Joyce Joan Patterson, 87 years of age, of Kearney, formerly of Hildreth, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2026, at Mt. Carmel Home in Kearney, NE. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Minden Evangelical Free Church with Rev. Tom Barnes officiating. The service will be streamed to the church’s YouTube page. Interment will be held following the service at the Minden Cemetery. Visitation with family present will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, September 14, 2026, at Craig Funeral Home in Minden. Memorials in Joyce’s honor are kindly suggested to the Minden Evangelical Free Church. Arrangements are under the care of Craig Funeral Home in Minden.

Joyce was born to John and Netty (Medford) Jeffers on December 20, 1938, in Memphis, TX where she lived through her childhood years. Joyce attended Memphis High School where she excelled in playing basketball.

Joyce was united in marriage to Bobby Franklin Patterson on Sunday, December 11, 1955. The ceremony was held after the church service. To this union three sons were born, Randy, John, and Michael.

Joyce enjoyed painting, sewing, and quilting. Her passion was decorating. She missed her calling as an interior designer. She spent countless hours remodeling homes they owned through the years. For many years you could find her and Bob on Harlan Lake. She loved to fish and one day while fishing she thought she had a snag and to her surprise she caught an 8.6 lb. walleye, which earned her a master angler award.

Joyce was a loving mother. Family was very important in her life. Being with her sons gave her much joy. She always looked forward to her grandchildren visiting and loved to entertain at their cabin.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents John and Netty Jeffers, sister, Jean (Verlyn) Hollis, brother, James Nathaniel (JN) Jeffers.

She is survived by her husband of 70 years Bob; sons, Randy (Laura) of Mosheim, TN, John (Ruth) of Bartlesville, OK, and Michael (Ann) of Kearney, NE; grandchildren, Jacob, Sarah, Amy, Paul, Eric, Justin, Jordan, Jarek, and many great-grandchildren.

The family would like to extend their appreciation for all of your thoughts and prayers through this difficult time.

Tributes and memories can be shared with the family at www.craigfunerals.com.