Joyce Janet Owens

Joyce Janet Owens, age 81 of Granbury, TX, passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 25, 2021. Joyce was born February 21, 1940 in Fresno, California to Victor and Irene Franklin. She had an older sister, Fredonna, and later, a younger sister, Carol. After the death of Victor in 1949, Irene moved her daughters to Smith Center, Kansas. Joyce was a 1958 graduate of Smith Center High School. She was a member of the National Honor Society, played the piano and the French horn; and sang in all of the school choruses, as well as in a girls' quartet. After high school she attended Brown Mackie Business School in Salina, KS. In 1961 Joyce married Owen Sherman, of Manhatten, KS. at the United Methodist Church in Smith Center, KS. A daughter, Michele Ayn, was born to them in 1963. During their marriage, they spent three years in Munich, Germany, where Joyce had the opportunity to visit exciting places such as Paris, Holland, Switzerland, London, and more. While in Munich, Joyce took classes with the University of Maryland overseas education program. Joyce and Owen were married until 1977. A strong and loving single mother, Joyce was devoted to raising Michele while working a full-time job. They formed a wonderful mother-daughter bond, full of unconditional love, mutual respect, and a special closeness that both cherished so very much. Most importantly, Joyce introduced Michele to Jesus Christ, and taught her the importance of a strong faith in God. In 1981, Joyce married Edward Owens in Arlington, TX and gained a wonderful and loving second family, including Ed's daughters, Lisa and Cristy. Joyce and Ed enjoyed traveling, which included trips to Germany, Hawaii, Canada, and the Caribbean. They also spent a summer RV'ing in Colorado, and enjoyed several other trips visiting friends and relatives. Joyce's working career included clerical/secretarial positions at the Road Materials Laboratory for Kansas on the campus of Kansas State University, the ARC, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving. The most fulfilling job, and the one she was most proud of, was her 20 years at Lockheed Martin, where she retired as an LG4 Analyst in 2006. At Lockheed, Joyce made many friends with whom she remained in contact for years after her retirement. Anyone who knew Joyce, knows that she loved to sing and had a beautiful soprano voice - right to the very end. Throughout her life, she was involved in many singing groups, including the Arlington Civic Chorus, the Fort Worth Baptist Theological Seminary Choir, Sweet Adelines, Fielder Church choir, and Tate Springs Baptist Church choir. She loved the Lord, and loved singing His praises every time she had the chance. She was a dedicated grandmother to Lane and Abby, and never hesitated to support their interests and passions, whether it be a sporting event, musical event, or other school function. She was also very fond of her son-in-law, Mike, who was always available to help her in any way that was needed. She looked forward to routinely meeting her daughter Michele and sister Carol at Starbucks for coffee, as well as their many "Girls' Day Out” events for birthday celebrations (or “just because”). For nearly 50 years, the three enjoyed annual road trips to Kansas, which always included frequent stops and a lot of laughter. Her kind spirit, generosity, and her beautiful laugh and smile will be missed by all who knew and loved her. We take comfort in knowing, without a doubt, that she is now with her Lord and Savior, fully healed. Joyce is preceded in death by her father, Victor, her mother, Irene, and her older sister, Fredonna. She is survived by her husband of almost 41 years, Edward Owens; her daughter Michele Duskin and husband Mike; step-daughter Lisa Coster; step-daughter Cristy Schwartzenburg and husband Jason; grandchildren Abigail Hankins and husband Grant, Lane Duskin and wife Sophie, step-grandson Jordan Boehne; sister Carol Fagan, sister-in-law Alison Blum and husband Rod; sister-in-law Patty Feldman and husband Alan; sister-in-law Sharon Newton; sister-in-law Sue Boukercha and husband Youcef; and many loving nephews and nieces and their families, along with so many friends, all whom loved Joyce so very much. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 17 at 2 p.m. at Wade Funeral Home, 4140 West Pioneer Parkway in Arlington, TX. In her memory, please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association. Donations can be made in her memory at www.alz.org Wade Family Funeral Home (817) 274-9233