JOYCE STAATS DEVRIES, age 79, passed away on Sunday, October 6, 2013, in Sugar Land, Texas. She was preceded in death in 2003 by her husband of forty-nine years, Tom. Joyce is survived by her children, Heidi (David Shirk), Tom Jr. (Maria), and Andrea (Steve Archer); grandchildren, Travis, Clay, Michael, Andrew and Michelle; and four great-grandchildren.
Joyce was born on January 5, 1934, in Owensboro, Kentucky, the only child of Mary and George Staats, and moved to Detroit, Michigan, at an early age. She spent most of her adult life in the Detroit area before moving to Texas in 1998. Throughout her life, Joyce was a tireless worker and talented artist involved in numerous community endeavors, including Girl Scouts, Little League, PTA, and countless church functions. She was co-owner of The Merry Mouse Cheese Shop in Grosse Pointe, Michigan for over five years, following which she and Tom owned and managed Canterbury Farms in Marine City, Michigan for nearly ten years. Prior to moving to Texas, Joyce worked for Snyder Veterinary Clinic, in New Baltimore, Michigan.
As per her request, no public service will be held. For those desiring, donations in Joyce’s memory may be made to the Arthritis Foundation @ www.arthritis.org.
