Joyce Ferrell's Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Norma Joyce Ferrell, 92, formally of Garland and Rowlett, Texas. Joyce passed away on February 5, 2023 surrounded by loved ones.
Joyce was born in Wichita Falls, Texas on May 23, 1930 to parents William (Bill) Givens and Velma (Marshall) Givens. Her family moved to Dallas where she graduated from North Dallas High School in 1948. On May 23, 1952, she married the love of her life, Joe Ferrell. They later welcomed two sons, Mike and Lee.
Early in her work career, Joyce was a secretary at First Citizens Bank in Dallas. Later, she followed her husband to the Dallas ISD and Garland ISD, where they were lucky to have worked at the same schools. Joyce served as the secretary to the counselors at Franklin Junior High and Thomas Jefferson High School in DISD; and Lakeview Centennial High School in GISD. Joyce and Joe ended their careers together, retiring in 1992.
With Joe being a football coach, Joyce spent most Friday nights on a stadium seat. Joyce was the epitome of a coach’s wife and this was a role that she thoroughly enjoyed for 35 years. During that time, she also was supporting her two boys as one or both played football, baseball, basketball or ran track. She continued to keep a seat warm in a stadium or gym as her grandkids got involved in many activities. Mimi showed up to as many events as possible and she loved every minute of it.
Joyce enjoyed traveling, especially taking cruises to Hawaii, Alaska and the Caribbean. She also visited Europe while performing with her church choir. Of all the places she had been, Colorado was her favorite. Joyce loved being in and experiencing nature and she found all she loved in Colorado. She was grateful that she got to take many trips to various places with her family and friends. Whether it be Colorado or their cabin at Lake Bob Sandlin, she loved to bird watch, fish and find and photograph wildflowers. She was especially fond of the Texas Bluebonnet and Colorado Blue Columbine. When Joyce wasn’t traveling or going to sporting events, she loved to go to the casino to play her favorite slot machines any chance she could. She also enjoyed playing 42, doing word puzzles and reading. She loved to host the annual Ferrell Fourth of July fish fry and other gatherings for family and friends over the years.
Joyce was a long-time member of Calvary Baptist Church which later joined Lakepointe Church in Garland. She was active for many years in the Adult Choir and occasionally taught Sunday School in her Women’s Adult Class. She was also a member of the Women’s’ Quartet which used their music to minister to those in nursing homes. Joyce faithfully believed in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.
Joyce is preceded in death by her husband Joe Ferrell and her parents Bill and Velma Givens.
She is survived by her sons Mike Ferrell (Julie), Lee Ferrell (Melanie); Granddaughter, Kelly Hitt (Bobby); Grandsons, Hunter Ferrell and Slater Ferrell; Great-Grandchildren, Natalie Crawford, Noah Crawford, Alex Hitt and Indi Hitt; Brother-in-law, Dennis Ferrell (Susan).
The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the Monarch at Richardson-Assistant Living and Memory Care and Ardent Hospice for the loving care and comfort they provided.
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