Joyce Sjerven, 77, of Denton, Texas, died July 24, 2018, surrounded by family. She was born on September 24, 1940, to the late Charles and Irene Owens in Tyler, Texas, along with one brother, Pat Owens. She grew up amongst the Kinney Street Gang and attended school in Tyler through Tyler Junior College. In 1960, Joyce married the love of her life, Gary Sjerven, having first been introduced at the picture show. They lived in Tyler and Germany before settling down in Kaufman, where they worked side by side at Statewide Surveying. It was here that together they built lasting friendships and memories.
One of her greatest accomplishments was raising her two children, Greg and Gina, followed by her grandchildren, Blake and Rylie, all of whom she loved beyond measure. She enjoyed decorating around the house, had a passion for politics and history, and loved attending church and bible study any chance she could.
Following Gary’s death in 1999, Joyce moved to Robson Ranch, where she built amazing friendships through groups that included church, red hats, singles, travel, cards, progressive dinners, Elvis and Win Star, to name a few. Joyce was loyal, loving, protective, funny, intelligent and creative – all qualities that made her a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother, Granna, aunt, mother-in-law and friend. She had a full and rich life and will be truly missed.
Joyce is survived by her son, Greg Sjerven and his wife, Michelle, of Kaufman, Texas; her daughter, Gina Hagenbuck and her husband, Steve, of The Colony, Texas; her grandchildren, Rylie Horn of Dallas, Texas, and Blake Sjerven and his wife, Alex, of Dallas, Texas.
A graveside service is scheduled for Saturday, August 4, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. at Cathedral in the Pines Cemetery in Tyler, Texas, with a reception to follow. Friends and family are welcome to help celebrate her life.
In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to the St. Jude Foundation.