Joyce Anita Kikalos born November 6, 1943, to the late Jessie Jones and Ceola Hamilton, was one of three children- the youngest and only girl. She went to Lincoln Elementary, and would later graduate from Roosevelt High School. In high school, she was a member of the Girls Athletic Association, Charm Service Culture, and Y-Teen Youth Club. After graduation she worked at Inland Steel Mill, where she met and married the love of her life (Sam Kikalos), and decided to become a domestic engineer to her three children. Her children and family were her world. She was a mom to her two brothers, a favorite aunt, niece, cousin, and grandmother.

 

She was an advisor to the young and old, and encouraged everyone to dream big. She was an inspiration and a motivator, her motto- no person left behind, “God has a purpose for you.”

Joyce advocated for people to believe in themselves. If she was on your side, you had a friend.

 

She was a philanthropist. Joyce supported her community and the youth, encouraging them to be upstanding citizens and leaders. Her favorite quote “Giant Keys to Open Giant Doors, I’ll be aware of Gods great wishes every day, when God stirs my nest, I know that there is a reason. She always dreamt of becoming a nurse to continue her lifelong mission of helping and caring for others. She believed caring for others was her mission from God and every day spent on earth, she worked to carry out that mission. Joyce was well respected in her community for her leadership, and at the time of her passing, she received the highest honors from the State Senator of Indiana; Gary, Indiana Mayor; Gary Police Department; Roosevelt class of 1962, and her beloved church.