Joyce Marie Dampeer-Skillern

Joyce Marie Dampeer-Skillern, age 79, of Jacksonville and formerly of Los Angeles, California, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, February 8, at Hospice Home Care Center in Little Rock.

Born on May 18, 1946, in Moro, Arkansas, Joyce was the beloved daughter of Jeff Dampeer and Statoria Steppes-Dampeer. She received her early education in the Compton Public Schools and graduated from Compton High School in Compton, California, as part of the Class of 1964. Joyce continued her studies at Citrus College in Azusa, California, where she earned an Associate of Arts degree. She also achieved her Real Estate License, reflecting her dedication to continual learning and professional development.

Joyce devoted much of her life to missionary work, serving through Global Ministries and the Dove Foundation. Her calling led her to share the gospel and provide service abroad in countries including the Philippines, Thailand, and China. Her passion for spreading her faith was evident in all that she did, and she deeply enjoyed her missionary journeys.

In addition to her missionary efforts, Joyce worked as a secretary with the Salvation Army for two years prior to her retirement. She also spent six years working at Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse, demonstrating her commitment and strong work ethic in every role she undertook.

Joyce was previously married to Felton Skillern, and together they were blessed with two children, Felton II and Felicia. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jeff and Statoria Dampeer, as well as her siblings: Mattie Harris, Gladys Robinson, Ceretha Love, Dorothy Broadway, Steve Dampeer, and Evelyn Dampeer.

She is survived by her loving son, Felton (Michelle) Skillern II of Rialto, CA, and her devoted daughter, Felicia (Corey) Skillern-Hubbard of Kilgore, TX. Joyce is also mourned by her grandchildren: Jennie Skillern of Fontana, CA; Jonathan Hubbard of McKinney, TX; Hunter Skillern of Rialto, CA; and Taylor Skillern of Fontana, CA. She leaves behind two cherished great-grandchildren, Apolo Hubbard and Cali Hubbard, both of McKinney, TX. Three sisters also survive Joyce: Shirley Dampeer-Worsham of Jacksonville, AR; Reola Turner of Phoenix, AZ; and Barbara Dampeer-Jackson of Marino Valley, CA, as well as a host of other relatives and friends who will fondly remember her.

Funeral services to honor Joyce's life will be held on Saturday morning, February 21, at 11:00 AM at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, located on Highway 238 South in Brinkley. Pastor Jacques Worsham will serve as eulogist. Interment will follow at Garrett Grove Cemetery in Moro, with arrangements entrusted to C.J. Williams Funeral Directors and Cremations of Brinkley (870) 589-5036 and Stuttgart (870) 672-7100. For additional information, please contact williamsfuneraldirectors2022@gmail.com or visit www.williamsfuneraldirectors.net.

Serving as pallbearers are David Barnes, Jeremy Hellinger, Donavon Hubbard, Chad Petties, Gregory Worsham, and Shawn Worsham.