Joyce Gilkseon

Joyce A. Gilkeson, 80, recently of Binghamton and lifelong resident of Five Mile Point in Kirkwood went to be with her Lord on Friday March 17, 2017. Joyce is survived by her children Karen (Al) Viera, James Gilkeson, Randy (Judy) Gilkeson and Jeff (Sigrid) Gilkeson, her grandchildren Nicole McClanahan, James McClanahan, Kristin (Christopher) Lindsey, Olivia Viera and Elizabeth Gilkeson and several nieces and nephews.  She is also survived by her companion of many years Chuck Pergl and his children Jeff, Janet and Jill and their families. Joyce was predeceased by her husband of 46 years, Jim Gilkeson, her father Franklin Freeborn in WWII, her mother and stepfather Alice and Marshall Bell, her brother and his wife (her best friend) Franklin and “Red” Freeborn and her sister Jean Bell Perry. After raising her children Joyce was employed at The Press & Sun Bulletin where she managed the circulation department.  She was a member of Fairview United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir, enjoyed her fellow Bunco companions and with her committee made many quilts for the homeless. She had a passion for shopping and passed her love of ferreting out a bargain to her children and grandchildren.  She loved to cook and keep house and welcomed everyone to her holiday meals, hosting many people over the years. She and Jim were members of the Windsor Car Club for many years and Joyce loved to drive the baby blue 1963 Plymouth Valiant convertible that Jim bought for her. The family would like to thank the staff on the 3rd floor at Elizabeth Church Manor for their loving care of Joyce.  The family will receive friends from 12 pm to 1 pm on Wednesday March 22, 2017 at Fairview United Methodist Church 254 Robinson Street in Binghamton, NY.  A Funeral Service will follow directly at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider a donation to Elizabeth Church Manor Resident Council 863 Front Street Binghamton, NY 13905 marked attention Vicky Morabito.

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