Joyce D. Long, 97, of LeClaire, Iowa, peacefully entered into eternal life on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at MercyOne Genesis in Davenport, surrounded by the love of a lifetime of family and friends. Joyce will be remembered as a woman whose greatest joy was caring for those she loved. Her warm heart, creative spirit, unwavering faith, and welcoming home touched generations and created memories that will be cherished forever.

     A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 10:30 A.M. at Our Lady of the River Catholic Church in LeClaire, where Joyce was a devoted and faithful member for many years. Visitation will be from 9:30 A.M. until the time of Mass on Tuesday at the church. Burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery in LeClaire. Memorials may be made to Our Lady of the River Catholic Church.

     McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home of Bettendorf is assisting the family with arrangements.

     Born in Moline, Illinois, on December 3, 1928, Joyce was the daughter of Peter and Frances (Knopp) Wilms. She graduated from Moline High School and began a life that would be defined by kindness, faith, and an unwavering devotion to her family.

     On June 18, 1949, Joyce married the love of her life, Robert L. Long, in Moline. Together they shared more than 61 years of marriage, building a home filled with laughter, love, and countless family traditions until Robert's passing on November 16, 2010.

     Joyce embraced her role as a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and homemaker with endless love and quiet grace. Nothing brought her greater happiness than spending time with her family, especially during the Christmas season when her home became the gathering place for large holiday celebrations. Those joyful occasions, filled with love, laughter, and togetherness, remain treasured memories for all who were fortunate enough to be part of them.

     She possessed a remarkable creative talent and found great happiness in expressing it. Joyce loved sewing and creating beautiful works of art, especially the wall murals she enjoyed painting alongside her husband, Robert and her daughters, Linda and Melody, at the Hullabaloo Club in Moline. She believed that beauty could be found in simple things and delighted in sharing her creativity with others.

     Her commitment to her community was equally important. Joyce was active in the PTA, faithfully served as secretary of the American Legion Auxiliary in LeClaire, and remained devoted to her church family at Our Lady of the River Catholic Church throughout her life.

     Before dedicating herself fully to her family, Joyce worked for the N. W. Johnson Insurance Agency in Moline. Over the years, she also enjoyed meeting and visiting with people while working as a hostess at the former Mr. C's Supper Club in LeClaire, and later at Bridge's Trading Post and the Twin Bridges Restaurant in Bettendorf. Her genuine warmth and friendly smile made everyone feel welcome.

     Those left to treasure Joyce's memory include her loving daughter, Linda Meeker of LeClaire; her grandchildren, Todd Meeker of Fort Dodge, Iowa, and Kristy (Paul) Walker of LeClaire; her beloved great-grandchildren, Nathan, Shelby, Michael, and Paula; several great-great-grandchildren; along with many cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and dear friends whose lives were brighter because Joyce was part of them.

     She was reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband, Robert; her precious daughter, Melody Tolley; her sisters, Cecelia "Ann" Nixon and Lucille Meridith; and her nieces, Lyla (Nixon) Harter and Judith (Nixon) Carter.

     Although Joyce's family grieves her passing, they find comfort in knowing that the love she gave so freely, the traditions she created, and the example of kindness, faith, and generosity she lived every day will continue to inspire them. Her gentle presence, warm smile, and loving heart will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on in every family gathering, every Christmas celebration, and in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love her.

     Condolences may be expressed to the family by viewing her obituary at McGinnis-Chambers.com.