Joyce Ann Gillis Fultz

Joyce Ann Gillis Fultz, 77, of Lafayette, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 7, 2025. She was born on February 21, 1948, in Lafayette to the late Daniel J. Sr. and Mary Frances (Slattery) Gillis.  A 1966 graduate of Southwestern High School, Joyce married Charles M. Fultz on July 12, 1969, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Lafayette. Joyce was a proud daughter of Irish immigrants and carried that heritage with deep appreciation throughout her life.

She worked at Purdue University before dedicating nearly 40 years to the Tippecanoe School Corporation through G.L.A.S.S. (Greater Lafayette Area Special Services). Her career was driven by a deep passion for helping children with special needs reach their fullest potential. Her work was personal and purposeful. Her son, Jason, was born with cerebral palsy and inspired her lifelong commitment to serving children and families with compassion, patience, and understanding.

She is survived by her daughter Tammy (Joe) Ward of West Lafayette, her grandchildren Sarah (Gavvin) Dooley, Ashton Ward, and Jack Ward, and one great-grandson, Roczen Dooley. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, extended family, and her loving sister-in-law, Nancy Gillis-Watts, who remained close to her throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son C. Jason Fultz, her brothers John D. “Jack” Gillis, Daniel Gillis Jr., Richard M. “Rick” Gillis, and Michael R. Gillis, one niece, Susan Gillis, and one nephew, Jeffrey R. Gillis.

Joyce found great joy in tending her garden, where she spent many peaceful hours caring for her flowers and plants. She will be remembered for her kind heart and the countless lives she touched through her family, friendships, and her work.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until the time of the service at 6:00 pm on Monday, November 17, 2025, at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd. Memorial contributions may be made to United Cerebral Palsy at ucp.org.