Joy Marie Dunham

Joy Marie Dunham, 42, a long-time Merrillville resident, passed peacefully in her sleep into the loving arms of her Lord, Friday, July 2, 2021 in her Merrillville residence.  

Joy was born October 24th, 1978 in Hammond, Indiana, the daughter of Debra Brzinski and Mark Dunham. As an infant, Joy was adopted by her grandparents, Ruth and Paul Dunham. Joy felt the utmost gratitude to her birth family for placing her with her adoptive parents who loved her unconditionally. Growing up in Lansing, Illinois, she played softball for Lansing Little League and made many friends over the years. At 17, Joy moved to the Merrillville area with her parents, who continued to raised her to have a great heart of love.  

Joy was a loving mother who surrounded her children with her affection and laughter. From an early age she had compassion for children and animals, which carried on throughout her life. Joy was a shoulder to lean on for many and will be greatly missed by all her friends and family who have grown to know and love her throughout her life.

Preceding her in death were her parents; Debra Brzinski, Mark Dunham, Ruth Dunham and Paul Dunham.

Joy is survived by her children, Jillian Williams, Devon Thaxton, Tyler Thaxton, and Zachery Thaxton. She is also survived by her brothers, Tommy Brzinski, Shane Dunham, Dustin Dunham, her sister, Angie Brzinski, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Visitation will be Wednesday, July 7, 2021 from 12:00 pm to  2:00 pm at Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center 8941 Kleinman Rd (one block south of Ridge Rd), Highland, Indiana 46322 with a Celebration of Life at 2:00 pm at the funeral home. The service will be officiated by Reverend Bob Neuman.

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper-Kevin Nordyke by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com

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