Joyce Ellen Bailey, 70, of Brookings, South Dakota, passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026, after a sudden and aggressive illness, surrounded by her family.
Joyce was born July 12, 1955, in Atlantic, Iowa, the daughter of James “Doc” and Roberta “Bertie” Bailey. She arrived fifteen minutes after her twin sister, Janet; Joyce often joked she was only born second because she kicked Janet out first.
Growing up in a busy household with five siblings, she learned early the value of fierce family loyalty. In 1968, the family moved to Brookings, which would become her cherished hometown. As a spirited student at Brookings High School, Joyce formed the kind of friendships that lasted a lifetime, known for her laughter and social heart.
After earning an associate’s degree from South Dakota State University, Joyce moved to Texas to be closer to her sister, Carol. While excelling as a legal secretary in San Antonio, she met and married David Hock Sr. It was during these years that she embraced the title she cherished most: Mom. To her sons, David and Dennis, she was a constant pillar of support, raising them with a ‘loud and proud’ devotion, never missing a chance to celebrate their accomplishments.
In 1993, drawn by the pull of her roots, Joyce returned to Brookings to be near her parents and siblings. Following several years with the DM&E Railroad as the Executive Secretary to the President, Joyce joined Quality Tool, where she worked until her retirement. While she was a dedicated professional, her true
passion was the lifelong friendships and rapport she built with her colleagues at both, and her true “work” was her relationships. Whether she was fishing in Canada with her brother John, living just across the street from her twin Janet, or being the “bonus mom” to the neighborhood kids, Joyce was a steady presence in the lives of those she loved. She was a woman who showed up, forgave quickly, and never met a stranger.
Her faith in Jesus grounded her life, and of all the titles she held, “Grandma” was her crowning joy. Her six grandchildren: Griffin, Madelin, Connor, Grace, Tobin, and Evelyn, were the light of her life. She was their loudest cheerleader, their greatest advocate, and a source of unconditional love that they will carry forever.
She was preceded in death by her father, James “Doc” Bailey; her mother, Roberta “Bertie” Bailey; and her brother, Dennis Bailey.
She is survived by her sons, David (Maren) and Dennis (Patty); her grandchildren; her twin sister, Janet; siblings John, Carol, and Mary Lou (David) Ulmer; special friend, David Hock Sr.; and a wide circle of friends and extended family.
A Funeral Service was held on Monday, February 23, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 405 7th Ave, Brookings, SD 57006. An Interment Service will be held on Tuesday, February 24, at 1:00 pm at the Atlantic Cemetery in Atlantic, IA, 63119 White Pole Rd. Atlantic, IA 50022
Condolences may be sent to the family through www.eidsnessfuneralhome.com.
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