Joyce Elizabeth Graff was born in Elkhart, Indiana, October 11, 1943, and passed away August 8, 2021, in Warrenton, Virginia. Following graduation from Elkhart High School, Joyce attended Indiana University, then moved to Chicago to attend the Art institute of Chicago. After working in Chicago in floral design and art production for several years, she was persuaded by her older brother Lou, himself a well-known local artist, to move to New Orleans, where he was confident she could make a living as an artist. Within days she was set up with easel and pastels in historic Jackson Square in the French Quarter, producing exquisite portraits for eager tourists. After her successes in the Quarter, she moved back to Chicago where she worked for a well-known art studio and advertising agency. In later years Joyce moved to Warrenton, Virginia, where she continued free-lance portraiture She was preceded in death by her husband, Guy Walker; her parents, June H. (Mikkelsen) Graff and Louis K. Graff; her younger brother Terry J. Graff and sister Mary L. Graff; her half-brother Louis Graff; and Mitzi, her beloved feline companion of nearly 20 years. She is survived by her brother Karl F. Graff (Martha) of Hilliard, Ohio, and her sister Dorothy H. Kondal (Joseph) of Warrenton, along with five nephews and nieces – Greg Graff of Florida, Annie Sullivan (Larry) and David Graff (Deb) of Ohio, and Jennifer Kondal (John) and Megan Southwood of Virginia. In addition, Joyce had five grand-nephews and nieces and three great-grand-nephews and nieces. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Visitation for Joyce will be Monday, August 16, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Karl and Martha (Kime) Graff of Hilliard, Ohio will be present during visitation hours. Graveside service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at Rice Cemetery in Elkhart. Pastor Keith McFarren from Bethel United Methodist Church will be presiding. Should you wish to make a donation in Joyce’s name, please consider your community’s no-kill animal shelter.
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