Joyce Patterson Dunham's Obituary
Joyce Patterson Dunham died at age 94, (just two months shy of 95!), peacefully at her home on Monday, May 6, 2024, in her hometown of Dallas. She then most assuredly met up with her savior, Jesus, followed by lots of yelling, “YOO HOO!”, to find her husband, Howard, who beat her to heaven seven years ago. (If you know about the “YOO HOO’s”, you know; If you don’t, ask a close family member or a formerly-annoyed care-giver.) Joyce is survived by her loving and incredibly handsome son Jeff Dunham, along with beautiful and amazing daughter-in-law, Audrey Dunham, as well as beautiful and amazing granddaughters, Bree Hemphill, Ashlyn Dunham, Kenna Dunham, plus cute and rascally 8 year-old twin grandsons, Jack and James Dunham, and several nieces, nephews, and many other adoring family members. (Some beautiful, others not so much...)
Joyce was born and raised in Ponca City, Oklahoma, and was the eldest of the three Patterson sisters, Gloria Presley and Rosalie Cross, both of whom preceded her in overturning the receptacle. (aka ‘Kicking the bucket.’). Joyce attended Oklahoma University, but before graduating, moved to University Park in Dallas and got a clerical job in bookkeeping somewhere doing something, (I think it was SMU in shipping?) all for reasons that I never got a straight answer. She met my future dad, Howard, at a bible study group at Highland Park Presbyterian Church, and the romance began. Joyce and Howard were wed in Ponca City in March of 1954, and began what was to be a 63 year marriage, which included international travels and the gathering of artifacts and photos and memories the world over. Eight years after their marriage ceremony, in 1962, they adopted me as an infant, which proves my parents never had sex. Then I, of course, was what took most of my mother’s time and patience, as she remained housewife and mom for the next many decades. During those years, she was a member of countless religious, civic, and charity groups throughout Dallas, including everything from being a member of The Woman’s Club, to being a Den Mother in Pack 585 when I was a Cub Scout. Her entire life she dabbled in arts and crafts and painting, and she also played tennis fervently with my dad in the 70’s, although I was never sure if she was very good at it.
At any given time, for as long as I can remember, whoever was associated with my mom soon learned of the most important thing in her life, and that was her faith in Jesus Christ and sharing it with others. She prayed about literally everything, usually out loud, including finding a good parking spot. My entire life she seemed to be proud of me and my accomplishments, although some of the language I have used on stage and TV kept me at the top of her prayer list for many, many years. Thankfully a few years ago, she came to peace with my act when she got a little older and could no longer hear what the dummies were saying.
One of the most impressive traits of my mother is that she never ever, and I mean never… Gossiped. She would never say a single bad word about another person, and honestly, it was simply annoying. I mean, who’s like that!? No one. Except my mom. Another crazy thing? Not until she was 94 did I ever, EVER see her without makeup. Every single morning of my life she refused to come out of her bathroom until her hair was done up HIGH and her makeup was complete. I never even saw her without lipstick. As an only child, I thought that was normal, but also incredibly cruel on Christmas morning, when I was NOT allowed to go see what Santa brought until mom was READY. It wasn’t until her health started to decline a bit about a year ago, when I showed up for a visit that I saw: Her hair wasn’t colored or boo-font perfect, and she had zero makeup on. Scared the heck out of me. And then the amazing part? She looked even more beautiful to me.
She never cursed. She never gave up on anything or anyone. If you had a problem or a need, she would pray for you whether you wanted her to or not. Whoever my birth mom was, I thank her for having me, and then giving me up. I won the orphan lottery. Besides loving me unconditionally and with all her soul, the next best thing my mom did for me was to listen. Parents, listen to your kids when they tell you about some obscure or odd thing they want for their birthday or Christmas. When I was eight, my mom did… And she told Santa. That year, next to the tree sat a little toy ventriloquist dummy. Thank you for my life mom. You listened and I did it. The world needs laughter more than ever now. I’ll keep it up as long as I can, as soon as I stop crying that you’re gone. Tell Dad I said, “Hi.” Just please don’t yell “YOO HOO” when I show up.
Your forever loving son,
Jeff
A memorial service is planned for Tuesday, May 14th, at 10am at Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Wynne Chapel, with a reception in the adjoining parlor to follow. Flowers for the service or donations to the church may be sent to Highland Park Presbyterian Church, 3821 University Blvd, Dallas, TX. 75205. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville, Avenue, Dallas, TX. 75243
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