Joyce Sanov

Joyce grew up in Belton, Texas, the oldest of four girls, later moving to Houston, Texas. Joyce graduated as salutatorian of her class from Smiley High School.

Joyce was the proud mother of five children, Carla Serres, wife of Donald Sommermeyer, Jack Serres, Jr., Felicia Sanov Hubert, wife of Jeffrey Hubert, Phillip Sanov, husband of Tiffany Sanov and Ron Sanov, husband of Liz Sanov.

In 1960, Joyce met the love of her life, Seymour Sanov, who owned Seymour’s MacGregor Pharmacy. Joyce worked for a pharmaceutical drug distributor and met Seymour, who flirted shamelessly as he called in his prescription drug orders. They married on November 11, 1961. Joyce worked for a number of years side by side with Seymour, until he sold the pharmacy.

Seymour was of the Jewish faith, and Joyce converted to Judaism shortly before the marriage.

In 1972, the family moved to Gladewater, Texas, to care for Seymour’s ailing parents. Joyce took great interest in in the Gladewater community as a Camp Fire Girls Leader, Band Booster, tennis Mom extraordinaire, and volunteer at many community events. Joyce took pride in being a wonderful mother to her own children, the friends of her children and every stray cat that appeared at her door.

Joyce was an employee of the Gladewater Chamber of Commerce, where she assisted in City Council meetings, the Gladewater Arts and Crafts Show and promoting the town at travel shows all over Texas.

Joyce was an avid gardener, reader, and loved arts and crafts. She enjoyed crossword puzzles and never missed an episode of Jeopardy.

Joyce was predeceased by her father, Wood Cayton, her mother Anita Rosier, her sister Alice Grimes, her sister Kathleen Tippit, her beloved husband Seymour Sanov, her grandson Austen Sanov, and her granddaughter Starla Serres.

Joyce is survived by her five children, sister Audrey Dean, niece Anita Gavin, nephew Wesley Grimes, grandchildren Allyson Economou, Bethany Sanov, Avery Sanov, Carson Sanov, Bevin McIlvain, Maura Moehlmann, April Martin, Alysha Serres, Cammie Serres, Jared Serres, Jack Serres, III, and her many great grandchildren. Joyce’s greatest hope was to meet the youngest, Isla Economou. Fortunately, Joyce was able to spend time with and hold Isla before her death.

Services will be held at Katy Funeral Home, 23350 Kingsland Blvd., Katy, Texas 77494 at 12:00 pm on December 22, 2025, with a graveside service at Kilgore City Cemetery at a date to be determined.