Joyce A “Jensen” Whalley

Joyce A. (Jensen) Whalley

March 21, 1940 – June 8, 2024

Preceded in death by her husband, Gerald “Jerry” Whalley; her parents, Arthur Jensen and Patricia “Madden” Jensen; brothers, Richard “Dick” Jensen, Lawrence “Larry” Jensen, all of Omaha.

Joyce is survived by her children, Dawn Whalley Faulkner, Gary Whalley and Leslie Whalley, all of Omaha; her grandchildren, Jensen(Caressa)Faulkner of Pittsburg, CA, Brody(Ashley)Faulkner of Omaha, NE, and Mallory(Joseph)Faulkner of Omaha, NE; two great-grandbabies, Maverick Gerald Faulkner and Colt Barkley Faulkner; sisters, Maureen Jensen Short of Scottsdale, AZ and Connie Dugan of Lisle, IL; brother, David(Randie)Jensen of Las Vegas, NV; and many beloved family members and life-long friends.

Joyce was born in Omaha, NE. She attended grade school at St. Peter and Paul and finished her 8^th grade year at Our Lady of Lourdes. She graduated from Mercy High School in 1958. After graduation she went to work at Swift and Company where she later met Jerry Whalley.  They were married on June 16, 1962. Soon after they moved to Los Angeles, CA where they lived for six years. During that time Joyce modeled and even coordinated a style show at Disneyland for May Company. After the birth of their first two children, she and her husband returned to Omaha to open Jerry’s Bar. The pair owned the bar in Benson for 33 years. Joyce dedicated her life to raising her three children. She was also involved in the Junior League and played various sports such as tennis, golf and bowling. As her children grew up, she returned to modeling. She organized many large style shows throughout Omaha, did trunk showings and Tea Room Modeling at local Omaha restaurants and businesses. She later went to work for the Omaha Marriott as a buyer for their gift shop. Joyce arranged large style shows for corporate conferences at the Marriot and eventually went on to work on the Concierge level. Joyce received a Century Club Award for her over 25 years of service at Marriott. In her spare time Joyce loved to travel and was an avid golfer, she even got 2 hole -in-ones, the latest of which was at 79 years young.

Joyce loved to entertain in her home, and many have said she and her home were the heart and soul of our large family. Joyce welcomed everyone with open arms. She was a fabulous cook. She made every holiday so special. She was an amazing wife, mother and Nonnie. She was a loyal sister, aunt and friend. She made everyone feel loved and important. Her smile lit up a room and she had an impeccable fashion sense. She loved fiercely and was generous to everyone. She had a kind heart and the best laugh.

Her most amazing attribute was her unwavering faith. It was at the center of everything in her life and what got her through the good times and bad times.  She always walked through life with faith and grace. She was our Matriarch and the soul of our family. She was the epitome of love and adoration.  She will be missed dearly.

Please join us in honoring and celebrating her beautiful life!

Visitation: Monday, July 1 at 9:30am at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 3601 N 65^th Street, Omaha NE

Mass of Christian Burial:  Monday July 1 at 11:00am at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 3601 N 65^th Street, Omaha, NE

Luncheon: Heafey, Hoffman, Dworak and Cutler Community Room, directly after funeral, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, NE

Interment: Calvary Cemetery

Memorials are suggested to Siena Francis House of Omaha, NE.

Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com