Obituary
Estella Joyce Simmons (Suggs), affectionately known as Joyce, 75, passed away on Friday, October 4, 2024, at Life Care of Estero, Florida. Born on March 12, 1949, Indianapolis, Indiana, Joyce dedicated her life to the field of nursing, profoundly impacting many through her compassionate care, both in pediatrics and geriatrics.
Joyce’s academic journey in nursing began after graduating with honors from the Kokomo School of Nursing. Her illustrious career started at the Veterans Hospital of Indianapolis, followed by positions in the Indianapolis Public Schools as a Clinical Nurse and at Metro Health for 15 years. As an Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Joyce continued her service, contributing her expertise to the Indiana Women’s Prison, various Indianapolis Retirement Home, The Children’s Guardian Home and various Indianapolis nursing homes until her retirement in 2009.
A woman of deep faith, Joyce was a member of the Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Indianapolis, where she served on the Senior Usher Board. Her personal interests included a profound love for reading, with Sidney Sheldon being her favorite author. Joyce also has a passion for cooking and relished the opportunities to travel.
Joyce is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth (Richard) Vance- Miller of Cape Coral, Fl, and Valerie D. Vance, Indianapolis; sister, Sharon E. Smith; brother William H. Suggs, Jr; grandchildren, Derrick L. (Sierra) Garrett, Jr, Gabrielle M. (Jared) Jones, and MacKenna R. Miller; five great-grandchildren, nieces and a host of cousins and family friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sharlie Alberta Taylor and William H. Suggs, Sr, and brother Jerom Steven Suggs.
A Celebration of life will be held at a date to be determined in Indianapolis, IN. Baldwin Brothers Funeral Home in Fort Myers, Fl, is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Hope Hospice Organization in Joyce’s memory.
Joyce and her girls on Valeries’ Wedding Day
Grandma
Grandma, My mom, and Me!