Joyce Starling's Obituary
Joyce Ann Hoffmann Starling was called home to heaven on Saturday, September 8, 2012, after a 12- year, courageous battle with cancer. She and her husband, Jim, have lived in Rowlett, TX for many years, where they raised two children and have enjoyed four grandchildren, with a fifth one due in October. Joyce became a Christian as a girl, and attended First Baptist Church in Dallas until adulthood. She and Jim have been members of the First Baptist Church of Garland, TX for a long time. She is fondly remembered as a loving wife and devoted mother and grandmother. She trusted God entirely throughout her illness, setting a great example for others. She was born in San Antonio, TX on September 11, 1948, to Audrey and Harold Hoffmann, who preceded her in death (Audrey only five weeks ago, also of cancer). She was also preceded in death by her devoted stepfather, Henry Skweres, and by her beloved grandparents, Lee and Beulah Mae Dechert. Joyce had a long, successful career as a school nurse for the Garland ISD. She received the Garland Jaycees Outstanding Educator of the Year Award in 1977. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Baylor University, and was a member of the Garland Junior League as well as a past member of the board for the New Beginnings Center in Garland. She was greatly admired by numerous career colleagues and friends she made over the years. Joyce was an avid tennis player and her other hobbies included gardening, home decorating, and shopping, especially for her family. Besides her husband, she is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Brandon and Brooke Starling of Garland, TX and her daughter and son-in-law, Jana and Kyle Reist of Richardson, TX. Her grandchildren include Noah and Luke Starling (and Joshua due to arrive October 5th), and Ashlyn and Madelyn Reist. She is also survived by her brother, Jerry Hoffmann, who resides in Addison, and numerous other family members. Services are being held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, September 12, at First Baptist Church in Garland, followed by graveside service at Restland Memorial Park. Visitation will be Tuesday, September 11, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Restland. Special thanks to Dr. Jonathan Oh and the nurses and staff at Texas Oncology at Baylor Hospital; also to the many friends and family members who have been there for her.
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