Joyce Marie Hallmark (Gowan), 68, passed away at home on Sunday, April 16, 2023 surrounded by her family and her beloved dogs. Joyce was born on August 10, 1954 in Havre, Montana. She was a proud member of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana.
Joyce was raised by her parents, Jimmie and Margaret Gowan, and attended schools in Jasper, Alabama, and later in Irving, Texas. She is a graduate of Irving Nimitz High School. Joyce made a career in customer service at Government Records Services, where she met and later married Billy Hallmark; they shared 37 years together.
Joyce enjoyed gardening and maintaining her home, both inside and out. She loved estate sales, shopping, and sharing her finds with family and friends. Joyce had a big heart and often took care of her neighbors and those she saw in need. Her daily phone calls made sure to keep the family in touch and on task. One of her greatest loves was to spoil her grandchildren, and she made sure to be there for their ball games, recitals, and band performances. She also adored her dogs, Sophie and Tink, who have been her faithful friends. And at the end of the day, Joyce was known to be found on the back porch with a good cold one.
Joyce will be remembered by her husband, Billy Hallmark of Leonard, Texas; children, Michael Morris of Weatherford, Texas, Amy Shaw and husband, Matt, of Whitewright, Texas, and Angie Eads and husband, Brent, of Whitewright, Texas; grandchildren, Kelby Shaw and wife, Julie, Kendall Shaw, Shelby Eads, Seth Eads and wife, Jade, Devin Eads, and Lilly Eads; great grandchildren, Keylan, Triniti, Xander, and Stevie; mother, Margaret Gowan; brother, Bill Gowan; and sister, Debbie Nass; and many extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her son, Kris Morris; father, Jimmie Gowan; and siblings, Renee Wallace, Eddie Gowan, Nolan Favel, Lorrie Marinkovich, and Bobby Gowan.
While Joyce did not want a traditional funeral service, she did agree to allow us a casual Celebration of Life BBQ. We invite you to join the family at Branscome Hall in Blue Ridge, Texas, on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at noon to celebrate her. BBQ will be provided; feel free to bring a side or dessert to share.
Memorials may be made to your choice of animal shelter or youth sports organization.