Joyce was born on September 19, 1942, in Paris, Arkansas, to Anton and Faye Koch. She grew up alongside her brother, Kenneth Koch.
At just 18 years old, Joyce married her best friend, David Gorrell. Those who knew Joyce knew David—the two were rarely spoken of without the other. Their life together was a true testament to what it means to marry your best friend and build your life side by side.
In 1963, while living in Subiaco, Arkansas, Joyce and David made the decision to follow David’s family to Conroe, where they would put down roots and build their life together.
Joyce was a devoted mother to her two sons, Robert and Dennis Gorrell. She was also a woman of many interests and will be remembered for her love of the outdoors and her strong-willed personality. She loved bowling, gardening, hunting, fishing, and just about anything that allowed her to spend time outside.
As the years passed, Joyce’s family grew when her boys married their wives, Kelly and Billie Gorrell. Her family continued to grow, and so did one of her greatest joys—Christmas Eve surrounded by the people she loved. It was a tradition she looked forward to every year and one that brought her great happiness.
She was lovingly known as Grandma/Granny to her grandchildren: Sarah Colston and husband Joel, Jarrod Gorrell and wife Ashley, Kristin Luman and husband Colton, and Madeline Parsons and husband Montana.
She was GiGi to her great-grandchildren: Carter Colston, Kinsley Gorrell, Cooper Luman, Charlee Colston, Kylie Luman, Grae Parsons, and Kollins Gorrell.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Anton and Faye Koch, and her brother, Kenneth Koch.
Joyce leaves behind a family who will cherish her memory and the many traditions, stories, and lessons she shared with them. Please keep her husband, David, in your prayers as he navigates life without his best friend of 67 years.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Cashner Funeral Home, 801 Teas Road, Conroe, TX 77303, on September 27, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm with the family receiving friends one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to a charity of your choice in Joyce’s memory.
