Joyce Donohoe

Joyce was born June 2, 1937, in Wynot, Nebraska, to Ignatius and Jeanette Heimes. Joyce is preceded in her heavenly journey by beloved husband Jim Donohoe, her parents, sister Gail Uhing, and daughter Maura Donohoe. Joyce is survived by children Ann Donohoe King, Chris King, Michael Donohoe, and Linda Donohoe, grandchildren Katherine King, Allison King, Nicholas Donohoe, and Matthew Donohoe, brother Ken Heimes, brother Dean and Bonnie Heimes, sister Leah Smith, brother-in-law Francis Uhing, in-laws Jerry and Elaine Donohoe, cousins Chuck and Mary Reece, and many other beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

Incredibly smart and funny, Joyce had a huge heart and an ability to focus her attention and love on whoever she was with. She was loved by all.

Her journey began as a "farmer's daughter" in Nebraska where she learned her values, determination and love of life. Joyce contracted polio when she was 15 and she fought through many months of an iron lung and physical rehabilitation. Fighting through her illness and disabilities, she graduated from Briar Cliff college in Sioux City, Iowa, and became a social worker. Joyce loved to swim. While in college she met Jim at a local swimming pool and they quickly began their beautiful 60 year partnership and marriage. Joyce and Jim lived briefly in Chicago (Michael's birthplace) and Phoenix (Ann's birthplace), before moving to Dallas in 1963. They lived in the Lakewood neighborhood in Dallas for over 50 years.

In Dallas, Joyce became a special education teacher for dyslexic children and had a direct and beautiful impact on dozens of young people. She also took up art and her paintings have graced the walls of her home for many years. An avid card shark, Joyce also hosted frequent Bridge games with friends for many years in her Dallas home.

In the 90's, Joyce and Jim started a housing development on Jim's family's farm in Yankton, SD. It was Joyce's talent with numbers and design that kept that kept that project going for over 20 years. Joyce and Jim also built a home for themselves in Yankton and spent many wonderful summers there with family and friends. Five O'clock happy hour in the Yankton home became a daily gathering.

Joyce touched many lives. She turned her significant disabilities into positives. She never complained and she was the backbone of her family. Her greatest impact was as a mother to Ann and Michael, to whom she was a living example of love, strength, and how to gracefully deal with success and adversity.

Joyce, you are loved and will be greatly missed.

A memorial service for Joyce will be held Tuesday, March 5, 2019 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 West Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX 75225.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cistercian Preparatory School (3660 Cistercian Road, Irving, TX 75039) or DKMS (100 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10005).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com for the Donohoe family.