Joyce was born at the Edna Gladney Home in Fort Worth, Texas on December 10, 1931 and was adopted as an infant by Elsie Druckhammer and Luke Milton Patranella. She was a Yell Leader at A&M Consolidated High School where she graduated in 1949. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Texas State College for Women in 1952 and began her teaching career as a first grade teacher at A&M Consolidated School. Joyce served as President of the A&M Mothers Club of Brazosport, was a Pink Lady at the Community Hospital in Freeport, and was a docent at the George Bush Library for ten years.
In April of 1953 she married J. R. ‘Dick’ Birdwell and together they had four sons and a daughter. She was preceded in death by her parents and stepfather, Edward F. Sauer; her husband of 59 years, Dick; and her granddaughter, Jackie Birdwell.
Joyce loved to travel with Dick and they accomplished the great feat of visiting all seven continents. They especially enjoyed river boat cruises on the world’s major rivers.
Survivors include sons Rick (Mary), Robert (Linda), Randy (Suzanne), Rusty, and daughter Rhonda Neel (Michael). She is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
She will be remembered by her friends and family as a friendly, joyful, and loving person.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church. Private family burial will take place prior to service.
In lieu of flowers please consider a gift to Covenant Presbyterian Church, 202 Rock Prairie Road, College Station, Texas 77845.
