Carol Joyce Champoux, age 83, of Lincoln, died on her 83rd birthday, February 19, 2021 at Bryan West Medical Center, surrounded by her five children. Born Carol Joyce Carpenter, Joyce was a nurse’s aide, beautician, babysitter, and volunteer at Catholic Social Services, and Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach. Joyce graduated from Lincoln High School in 1955, and was married to Clayton Champoux on April 21, 1956. From their Army years, they maintained relationships with life-long friends all over the US. Joyce and Clay were foster parents from 1979 to 1999, caring for 83 children. Clay and Joyce traveled every year, eventually traveling to all 50 states, as well as to Europe and Asia. From 1989 until the present, Joyce and family enjoyed a lake cabin in Fremont where family and friends gathered spring through fall. Joyce’s focal point was time spent with her family; as an example, Joyce provided daycare for every one of her grandchildren over the years. Joyce and Clay were married for 62 years, Clay having passed away in 2018. Joyce is survived by sons Pat (Michelle) of Denton; Mike of St. Charles, Illinois; Steve (Jill) of Lincoln; Rob (Jan) of Lincoln; Jay of Omaha; daughter Melanie (DJ) Johnson of Lincoln; 25 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. Joyce was preceded in death by husband Clayton Champoux, and parents Charles Carpenter and Lois Lux.
Visitation will be 6:00 p.m. Monday at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1720 Lake Street, Lincoln with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial with Father Mike Morin officiating will be at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday at the church. Burial will be at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Lincoln. Memorials may be made to the family for later designation. Condolences may be left at trumpmemorials.com. Trump Funeral Services, 1600 West “O” Street, Lincoln are handling the arrangements.
Sending you all thoughts and prayers for your loss. Carol was a beautiful lady. We really enjoyed her company every time we got together with her. She certainly could warm up a room with her kindness and her smile. She will be missed. We were so blessed to have met her. Gary and Lisa Kraus
My sympathy to the family of Joyce Champoux. I grew up on Calvert street just behind her house and my son, Brett went to daycare at her home 1984 – 1985 or so. It was a pleasure having her for my day care provider as I heard about the Yankee Hill news and happenings. She will be a big loss to the family. Jodey Hempel Hillis
Dear Melanie, Pat, Mike, Steve and Rob;
My sisters and I hold so many dear memories of your mother…her giving us haircuts (giving Carole her first shag haircut due to a bubble gum wad that landed in her hair), driving to CCD class and playing with all of you in such an inviting atmosphere of love and friendship. Joyce always greeted us with a smile and it makes us smile to think she will see our mom, Jeanette again in heaven. I’m sure the good Lord will let Extension Club continue with these ladies and their history together! We all live out of NE now, but will be praying for Joyce and Clay and all of you. Blessings, Linda Priess Ficke and sisters, Cheryl Priess Dickey, Janell Priess Jellison-Poe and Carole Priess Shephard.
Dear Melanie, Pat, Mike, Steve and Rob:
Our sincere sympathy to the family of Joyce Champoux. She was a wonderful lady. She babysat our kids – Scott and Ann Marie – for many years. She had more love and patience with kids than anyone I have known. I loved visiting with her when I dropped off, or picked up the kids. I know the good Lord gained a very special lady this week, and we lost a very special lady. God’s blessings and prayers to all of you.
Dear Melanie, Pat, Mike, Steve and Rob,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your whole family. Even though I have not seen your mother for many years, the memories I have are of a sweet, kind, loving woman. The world was a better place with her in it. I know you will miss her dearly but I hope your memories will bring you peace. Please know that you are all in our hearts and prayers. Sending love to you all.
Dear Melanie, Pat, Mike, Steve, and Rob,
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother. Even though I have not seen her for many years, the memories I have of her are of a sweet, kind, loving woman. The world was a better place having her in it. I know you will miss her dearly, but I hope your memories will bring you peace. We have you all in our hearts and prayers. Sending love to you all.