Joyce Renell Johnson's Obituary
Joyce Renell Johnson was born June 26, 1937, to parents Leslie James and Nellie Mae Vaughan in the East Texas town of Linden and entered into her heavenly home on February 25, 2025.
Joyce grew up in Linden, married Clarence Welchel and had three children, Shirley, Don and Dale. Widowed at a young age, she met and married James (Jim) Johnson in 1965. The Johnsons moved to Dallas in 1966 and made their home in the Lake Highlands area. Throughout their time in Dallas, the Johnson’s were active church members including Audelia Road Baptist Church, North Highlands Bible Church and most recently Lake Pointe Church-White Rock. In all the churches they attended, they served, made friends and built friendships that continued throughout their lives. As long as their health permitted, they traveled extensively, both as a couple and with friends.
Joyce was known as a great cook, a great friend and a woman with a servant’s heart. After raising her children, she volunteered her services as a hair stylist at Blanton Gardens, a senior living facility and was active in the Woman’s Auxiliary of Baylor. Joyce loved the Lord Jesus, started each day with her devotionals and always enjoyed being in Bible Study with her friends. Joyce loved life and some of her happiest times were in church, under sound Bible preaching.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Larry and Eugene, her sister, Mary Story, her husband Jim, and son Dale. She is survived by her daughter Shirley Saenz of Providence Village TX, son Don Welchel (wife Deborah) of Lago Vista TX, grandsons Kyle Welchel of Austin and Kevin Welchel (wife Amber) of Houston and great grandchildren Evelyn and Isaac. She is also survived by her beloved sisters Margie Harris and Pat Wall and many nieces and nephews, of the Welchel, Vaughan, and Johnson families.
Visitation is Sunday, March 9 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A memorial service is planned for Monday, March 10, at 10:30 am at Restland Funeral Home (Memorial Chapel), 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas TX 75243. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Delta Streets Academy. Founded by Joyce’s great nephew, T-Mack Howard, Delta Streets Academy equips young men by providing a Christ-centered, disciplined education through achievement in academics, a Biblical world view, an athletic environment and character development. Delta Streets Academy, PO Box 9895, Greenwood, MS 38930. 662-897-9876, deltastreetsacademy.org
What’s your fondest memory of Joyce?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joyce?
Share a story where Joyce's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joyce you’ll never forget.
How did Joyce make you smile?
