Joyce Marie Range

When the day began on September 18, 1945, God decided to add the life of a beautiful baby girl to grace the world. Her name was Joyce Marie Range. Joyce was born at Parkland hospital in Dallas, Texas to the proud parents, Ozell Marie Range and Homer Cox. Joyce began her love for God at an early age with the blessing of being raised in a loving, Christian home by her grandparents Ellery and Dorelia until the age of 13. Joyce devoted her life to Christ and was baptized at the young age of nine years old at the Golden Gate Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor C.B. Smith in 1954. She maintained her faith throughout her life and her Christian fellowship. Joyce's birthday came after the public school opening date so she began elementary school at St. Anthony's Catholic School through the third grade and the she attended Dallas I.S.D. through the eighth grade. Joyce then moved to Port Arthur, Texas where she completed High School at Port Arthur Lincoln. She united with the St. John Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Shepard. Joyce attended Prairie View A&M University where she obtained a degree in music. After graduation, she returned to Port Arthur and began working for Port Arthur I.S.D. A short time later Joyce moved to heavenly Houston, Texas where she obtained a job at West End Health Clinic. Joyce then united with Greater First Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Dr. W.E. Gibbs and now Rory Thompson, Sr. Joyce was the minister of music for many, many, many years. Joyce was a gospel music icon known for her great work in Lincoln Sothern District Congress, the B.M.&E. Congress of Christian Education and many other conventions. On Wednesday, August 9,2017, Joyce was graced into the open arms of the Lord. Also, waiting to welcome her to eternal peace are her parents Ozell and Homer, stepdad Oscar Whitley, cousin Larry Range, uncle R.J. Range Sr. and a host of friends and loved ones. Her life will forever be cherished by those she leaves behind: sister Florine(Leon), nephew Justin(Olevia), great nephew Xavier Mason, great niece McKenzie, Aunt Ora Lee, cousins Nem(Lana), Vivian(Wayne), Phyliss, R.J. Range Jr. and a host of other relatives and friends.