Evelyn “Joyce” Sawyer Journee, 91, of Lufkin, Texas, passed away peacefully and entered the presence of the Lord on Thursday, January 16, 2025.

         Joyce was born on October 5, 1933, in Richmond, Virginia, and raised in Portsmouth, Virginia. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School and worked as a cashier at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Shortly after graduation, Joyce married the love of her life, Everett Richard “Dick” Journee, on November 22, 1952. Their journey together took them across the United States, living in Virginia, Georgia, Wisconsin, Texas, and Ohio before settling on Lake Sam Rayburn in Texas, where they enjoyed retirement. Along the way, they welcomed six wonderful children and lovingly cared for Dick’s mother, Eleanor “Granny” Journee.

         Joyce and Dick were devoted members of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jasper, Texas, where they generously gave their time and resources over the years. Joyce volunteered at the local food pantry, reflecting her selfless nature and commitment to helping others.

          Joyce found great joy in nurturing her flower gardens and took pride in the beautiful goldfish pond she and Dick built in their lakeside backyard. In retirement, the couple embraced their love for travel, exploring Greece, Italy, Alaska, Belize, and other destinations, often making cherished memories with family.

           In their later years, Joyce and Dick moved to the PineCrest Retirement Community in Lufkin, Texas, where they formed new friendships and participated in community activities.

           Joyce was a gifted artist, creating cherished oil paintings for her family. She was also an avid reader, collector of dolls, and lover of nature. Whether beachcombing or strolling along the lakeside, she delighted in discovering unique rocks, shells, and driftwood. Her kind heart, gentle spirit, and unwavering love for her family and friends touched everyone who knew her.

            Left to cherish her memory are her daughter and son-in-law, Patti and Steve Johnson of Toledo, Ohio; son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Debra Journee of Jasper, Texas; daughter and son-in-law, Sue and Tommy Cobb of Kountz, Texas; son and daughter-in-law, Chuck and Cynthia Journee of The Woodlands, Texas; son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Britney Journee of Boise, Idaho.  She also leaves behind her sisters, Gayle Sawyer and Lanier Bowers of Chesapeake, Virginia; 12 grandchildren—Jeremy Johnson, Erica Johnson, Jason Journee, Andrew Journee, Matthew Journee, Cortnee Cornell, Melissa Kamin, Britney Minton, Chelsea Gitzendanner, Carson Journee, Ellie Journee, and Max Journee—as well as 13 great-grandchildren and a host of extended family and friends.

            Joyce is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 68 years, Everett Richard “Dick” Journee; her daughter, Evelyn Elizabeth “Beth” Peek; her parents, Charles Chester Sawyer and Helen Biddle Sawyer; and her brothers, Albert Sawyer and Buddy Sawyer.

            The family will hold a private service in the coming months to celebrate Joyce’s remarkable life and the love and light she brought to all who knew her.

            Shafer Funeral Home, Lufkin directors.