Joyce Sherman Calhoun

What I remember most is her laughter. Her laughter and joy were contagious.

We would always giggle together.

-Michelle McCritty

“Sister Joyce” is what we all called her. As my sisters said, we remember laughter & fun times wherever she was around. Sister Joyce lived with our late grandmother, Cerue King Gibson. When my grandmother was away, she was left in charge of us the younger children & grandchildren my grandmother raised. I will always remember Sister Joyce to be very nurturing, kind, & fair towards us. As I grew into my early teens, she, and my Auntie Mae McCritty, (deceased) were like sisters, & best friends. I remember days riding in a blue Mustang convertible and driving all around the city of Monrovia. Sister Joyce will be sitting on the passenger side and I in the back seat trying my best to eavesdrop on their adult conversations. Sister Joyce would tell my Auntie Mae to make a stop at the ice cream shop to get me some ice cream, so I could focus on eating the ice cream, instead of focusing on what they were talking about. As a child growing up, I have always known Sister Joyce to be a beautiful person inside and out. She always told the truth, and I never knew her to be caught up in any family drama. When she got married to Uncle Jim, we went through the war, and they both came to the US. We lost touch over the years. Luckily, we found each other after my father died in 2022. I will miss talking with her and hearing her voice. But she will always remain and live in our hearts. In our recent years of speaking since my father’s death, she always spoke about Serenity and how her grandbaby is taking very good care of her, and she felt blessed to have her in her life. I always told her one of these days we would get to meet her, not realizing these days would be after she passed. Serenity, I want you to know the McCritty family is here for you.

To the Sherman & extended families, have our sincere sympathy.

-Gerri McCritty (Geraldine)

Ms. Calhoun,

I will miss you, my friend. Your kindness, contagious laugh, beautiful accent, your smile, and ongoing positive compliments. Even though you are no longer physically here, I know your spirit lives in the hearts of everyone you touched. I could always depend on you to put a smile on my face whether it was over the phone or in person.

Thank you for the memories, the lessons, and for being a part of my life.

Until we meet again,

Your forever friend,

-Jermisha Hardeman

When I started working at HISD, Ms. Joyce was the first person I met. Her first words were, who are you here for (in her sassy voice)? Little did I know she would become my work mom. There were three things I could expect from her every morning, Monday-Friday, even on the days she was off. She would call me at the front desk to make sure I made it in, ask how my mom was doing, and tell me a quick story about something that happened that morning or the day before. She did not have a problem speaking her mind, but she was one of the sweetest women I have ever known. Her life was a blessing, and I am grateful to have known her. She will truly be missed.

I Love You, Ms. Joyce.

May You Rest in Peace.

-Geneva Alexander

Sister Joyce, one of many children, was brought up by my grandmother, the late Cerue King Gibson (affectionately called Tanti) She attended and graduated from the famous all-girl Catholic School in Monrovia, St. Teresa’s Convent. She was confirmed and became a member of the Trinity Episcopal Church. Tanti was one of the high-ranking members of the Order of Eastern Star and she made sure that once Sister Joyce became eligible, she also became a member. Praying was of utmost importance in that home, we had family prayers every Sunday morning before going to Church, and Sister Joyce rang the call-to-prayer bell; she would ring the bell so loud, that even if you put your fingers in both of your ears, you would hear it. She made sure that no one had an excuse not to be on time for prayers. She wore some of the finest clothes and enjoyed having a good time. She also had a passion for cooking and baking some of the most delicious foods and pastries.

-CeRue McCritty

I met Ms. Joyce around 2009, and she was a very sweet woman of God. She was a hard worker, and she loved what she did. I spoke to her the day after she was released from the hospital. We talked about how she could improve her strength. She was a very easy-going woman, but she spoke her mind when she had to. She loved her grandbaby, Serenity. She trusted me with Serenity on Saturdays to do Serenity’s hair while she ran her errands. When I received the message that she had passed I was very shocked. I loved her for the type of woman she was. Ms. Joyce Calhoun will be missed. I loved her so much; she was a dear friend. Until we meet again, I will be praying for Serenity and all of us.

-Dana Curry

Dear Mama Joyce, we want to thank you for loving us as your own. Thank you for the wisdom, the understanding, and the kindness you freely gave to us. We also thank you for Rella, she was the Best Friend that we needed. This is not a goodbye but a see you later. Our love for you will always be in our hearts and memories.

Your bonus daughters.

-Shelley Hanson and Anetria Thompson Hardeman

“Life is eternal, and Love cannot die, so Death is only a Horizon, and a horizon is only the limit of our sight.” We are ALL saddened and mourn the passing of our beloved cousin JOYCE. She will be missed, particularly when it comes to our frequent conversations regarding our “way back home” memories. God has a purpose for every one of our lives.” On behalf of Jamine and I and our respective families, we would like to extend our deepest and sincere

condolences to the entire family.

God bless!

-Cousin Annastean

My memories of Mrs. Calhoun are filled with deep respect and admiration. She was a woman of wisdom and conviction, never hesitant to speak her mind. Her fiery spirit was unmatched, and I will always remember her saying, “They haven’t met the African side of me,” whenever someone tested her patience. She was loved and deeply respected, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

-Zena Baker

Ms. Joyce Calhoun was a valuable member of the Office of Special Education Services, Special Education Resource System (SERS) in the Houston Independent School District for 42 years. Her dedication, professionalism, and kindness touched the lives of district staff members to whom she provided instructional materials and resources for the support of students with disabilities. Ms. Calhoun had an incredible ability to connect with people with her smile. Her commitment to work is only matched by her positive spirit and willingness to assist anyone. We honor the life of Ms. Joyce Calhoun and celebrate the privilege of having known her.

-Sandra Griffin

To Our Dearest Aunt Joyce,

Words cannot fully express the depth of our gratitude and love for you. You have been a constant source of joy, wisdom, and unwavering support in our lives. I remember when our mom passed, you were there. You were a constant person in our lives, not just as an aunt, but as a second mother, a confidant, and a best friend. I spoke to you every other day. You would ask for my brother Boymah. I would tell him when I contacted him. If I did not call you would call and say, “niece, I have not heard from you since yesterday.” Your kindness and generosity know no bounds. Whether it was your laughter that brightened our darkest days, or your wise words that guided us through life’s challenges, you have always been our rock. You have a unique way of making everyone around you feel special and loved, and we are incredibly blessed to have you in our lives. We cherish the countless memories as we continue to live in this world without you. I want you to know that Serenity will be loved. I will make sure that I call as you called to check on us. Your love has been a beacon of light, guiding us and showing us the true meaning of family. You will be deeply missed. As we react to all the wonderful moments we have shared, we are filled with immense gratitude. Thank you for being you – for your endless love, your boundless patience, and your unwavering support. You have touched our lives in ways that words can never fully capture, and we are forever grateful.

RIP, Aunt Joyce. RIP.

With all our love,

Your niece Connie Dunwoody and nephew Boymah Bartie

You finally got to that place we talked about Ms. Joyce (insider); and there you wear a crown of beauty instead of ashes, you have the oil of joy instead of mourning, and you wear the garment of praise instead of the spirit of pain and despair. You walk among the oaks of righteousness that were individually planted by the Lord; a display of beauty for a person as deserving as you (Isiah 61:3). Now you are dancing amongst the angels as they praise God with strings and pipe (Psalm 150:4). And in peace you will lie down and sleep; for with the Lord alone, you dwell in safety (Psalm 4:8). The promise I made to you on Sunday January 12th, 2025, I will keep it until my last breath.

Until the day I meet you in our special place rest well beautiful

-Tanicha

I remember when I first met Ms. Calhoun, she was so nice and warm and welcoming when I used to spend the night with Rella. After Rella and I became best friends I would come over often and Ms. Calhoun would always cook her spinach which I loved., She would always let me know when she was cooking it(lol) every time I came in contact with her she was so sweet and always made me feel like an adopted daughter, my Mom and her became very close and they would always talk often. She raised her Granddaughter Serenity when her daughter passed and did an excellent job, I will miss her very much.

-Jackie Brooks

A memorial services for Joyce will be held Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 1:30 PM at EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY, 9600 South Gessner Rd., Houston, TX 77071.