Francis “Joyce” Shumaker

Francis Joyce Shumaker was born on August 3rd, 1936 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Harold and Ruth McNurlan and passed away September 23, 2024 in Largo Florida. When she was 2 years old, Joyce was adopted by John and Alberta Davenport. Alberta later remarried Paul Rinker, whom Joyce loved and respected as her father during her childhood. Growing up in Indianapolis in the 50’s, Joyce recalled a happy childhood with activities like going to the movies, roller skating, sock hops, and dances. She graduated in 1954 from Arsenal Tech High School.

Joyce met her husband, Forest Eugene Shumaker, at Ayres Department Store, where she sold shoes during the Christmas season. They were married on Easter Sunday, April 10, 1955. Joyce put her faith in Christ and was baptized at New Providence Baptist Church in May 1956. They had three sons: Gary, Mark, and Brian. Joyce and Forest raised their children to serve Christ and His Church. She stayed home until their children were teenagers and then worked at the Marion County Treasurer Office in Indianapolis. Joyce worked as secretary at Franklin Road Baptist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, retiring in 1998 after 19 years of service. Joyce and Forest were married for almost 51 years. They retired to Largo, Florida and resided in Colonial Village Mobile Home Park until their passing.

Joyce enjoyed spending her free time playing cards, games, reading, traveling, and cooking for her family.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Forest Shumaker; parents, Harold and Ruth McNurlan, Alberta Jolly; and siblings, Richard (Pat) McNurlan, and Marge (Walker) Fletcher.

She is survived by her sons, Gary (Kelli) Shumaker, Mark (Penny) Shumaker, and Brian Shumaker; her grandchildren, David (Chelsea) Shumaker, Scott (Yvonne) Shumaker, Daniel Shumaker, and Kimberly Shumaker; and her great-grandchild, Hannah Shumaker.

Memorial service will be held at 6:00 PM October 25th at Lighthouse Baptist Church, 6950 East Raymond Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46239, with visitation from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM. In leu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Youth Ministries, located at 2010 N. McKinley Ave. Rensselaer, IN 47978.