Joyce Cerny, 83, of Marion, went to be with the Lord at 3:10 pm on Wednesday, March 29, 2023. Joyce treasured her personal relationship with her Savior, Jesus Christ, and the confidence she had of eternity with Him by grace through faith and not of herself. She was born the only daughter of Roy and Edith Stuebe in Racine, Wisconsin, on July 12, 1939.
When Joyce was 17 years old, she lost her father suddenly, and she and her mother remained very close until Edith passed away in 1990. She attended Case High School and Greenville University before God brought Otto Cerny into her life. She and Otto were best friends and worked side by side for many years before retiring together. They were married for 55 years, living in Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri, Florida, and back to Indiana before Otto passed away in 2017.
Joyce was by nature a wonderful teacher, from Sunday School lessons to English literature and grammar in several schools, as well as many expository Bible studies and women’s devotional groups wherever she called home. She enjoyed traveling with Otto and her family, collecting antiques, and playing bridge over many years. She and Otto were involved in several Christian ministries including Successful Living books, American Mission to Greeks, and Word of Life Ministries. She also exercised her pedagogical and evangelistic skills as an ESL teacher on multiple trips to the Czech Republic.
Joyce’s greatest joy in life was knowing that her three children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren know the Lord and walk in the Truth. One of her favorite quotes is by Czech reformer, Jan Hus: “Seek the Truth, listen to the Truth, teach the Truth, love the Truth, abide by the Truth, and defend the Truth unto death.”
Joyce is survived by son: Jeff and Barbara Cerny, along with their children, Axel, Hunter and Clarissa, and great-grandchildren, Steele and Oakley; son: Grant and Stephanie Cerny, along with their children, Sam and Brynn, and great-grandchildren, Autumn and Anna; and son: Jon and Sara Cerny, along with their children, JJ and Brooke.
The family will receive visitors from 9:30 am to 11:00 am on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a funeral service to celebrate Joyce’s life will begin at 11:00 am. Burial will take place at Marion National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to Global Hope Network International at www.globalhopenetwork.org.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
To send flowers to the family of Joyce, please visit our floral store.