Lela "Joyce" Dunshee

Joyce, affectionately known by all, was born in New Orleans on September 28, 1938, to Barton W. Sherman and Leona Carlisle Sherman. She attended Metairie High School until eleventh grade and was part of the first graduating class of East Jefferson High School in 1956. Joyce dedicated many years to her role as an Executive Secretary at N-Y Associates. In her retirement, she enjoyed cruising to picturesque destinations and testing her fortune at the casino. She also found joy in gardening and had a deep love for colorful flowers.

Joyce’s true passion was her role as a devoted Mother, Maw Maw, and Gi Gi. She will be eternally cherished and missed, with her family forever holding her memory in their hearts.

Joyce is survived by her dedicated husband, Ronnie Dunshee; her three children, Sheila Bouchon (Randy), Mark Newman, and Rhonda Walker (Dale); her grandchildren, Jennifer McDaniel (Frank), Calvin Bouchon, Kristin Newman, Ian Walker (Kayla), and Jonathan Walker (Chelsea); her great-grandchildren, Jarrett McDaniel (Cady), Gavin McDaniel, Jake McDaniel, Paytyn Walker, Alexis Walker, Leia Walker, and Beau Walker; her great-great-grandson, Grayson McDaniel; her brother, Felix Sherman (Cheryl); and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Barton and Leona Sherman, and her first husband and father of Sheila and Mark, Ronald A. Newman.

Family and friends are invited to attend Joyce’s services on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70124. Visitation will commence at 11:00 AM, followed by the Funeral Mass at 1:00 PM. Interment will take place after a brief procession to Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum.

In honor of Joyce’s love for flowers, they are welcomed