Joyce Barbara Schmidt Wharton, 82, Melbourne, Florida, left our world peacefully on February 6, 2019 after a brief illness.  She was a beautiful woman, wife, mother and friend. Joyce was born September 20, 1936 in Oak Park, Illinois to John and Antoinette Schmidt.

Joyce married Lyndon Wharton on July 19, 1957 in Chicago, Illinois. Lyndon passed away June 24, 2017.  Joyce's family is grateful that Lyndon and Joyce are together again.

Joyce attended Eastern Illinois University where she met Lyndon. She was employed as a legal secretary for Hoffman and Hoffman and Sorling Law offices in Springfield, Illinois but her true passion was raising her children and caring for her husband and household. She always put the needs of others, especially her family and friends, before her own.

Joyce was an amazing cook and hostess.  Joyce and Lyndon threw legendary cocktail and dinner parties.  Sunday dinners were an extension of her love for her family and friends.  Though small of stature, she would tackle anyone who tried to do the dishes!

Joyce and Lyndon made their life and home and raised their family in Springfield, Illinois.  In their retired years, they moved to Florida where they enjoyed their new friends and neighbors but always loved to entertain "old" ones from back home.  Joyce had recently learned to play Mah Jongg and loved to spend time with other players and her daughter.  She also enjoyed traveling with Lyndon and had a soft spot for children, dogs and penguins!

Joyce is survived by her daughter, Susan of Melbourne, son, Bob (Tammy) of Loami, Illinois, beloved dog, Yogi, and many granddogs including Milo of Melbourne. She was very active and loved to walk her dog every morning.  Joyce appreciated it when people told her that they could not believe she was 82 years old.  In her illness, Joyce was lovingly cared for by her daughter, Susan, and was loved and adored by her daughter and son.  "All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my Angel mother."

A service to celebrate the life of Joyce will be held on Sunday, February 24th at 2 p.m. at Friendship Fellowship at Pineda, Rockledge, Florida. Reception to follow.  A celebration of Joyce's life will take place at a later date in Springfield, Illinois. Memorial contributions are suggested to  VITAS, Hospice Care. In Joyce's honor, please do something kind today for someone.