Joyce McDonald Shillings, age 88, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2025 surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on April 7, 1937 in Victoria, Texas to Marjorie and James McDonald and was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to many.
Joyce attended Calhoun High School where she was a drum major and played All-State basketball. Joyce had many hobbies and talents; she was an artist and taught oil painting, was a master gardener and seamstress, created jewelry and shell art. She loved to golf and was the Ladies Club Champion for several years at Hatch Bend Country Club.
She was devoted to her family which was instilled by her parents; her father “Bobo” was one of 9 siblings and they would all gather on holidays and special occasions in Victoria and Port O’Connor. Many of her fondest childhood memories were beachcombing, cookouts, boating and playing games with the McDonald clan at their bay homes in POC, and then with her own family.
One of many fond memories was when the three kids were growing up they would compete in the Youth rodeos every weekend during the summer months. Joyce had the task, while Melbourn was rice farming, to take the kids to every rodeo. She would drive the Winnebago, pulling a four-horse trailer which was always a challenge and adventure but Joyce was happy to do it, year after year.
Her passion was antiquing and she opened her own business, Joyce Shillings Antiques, in 1970 to 2020. She looked forward to her semi-annual buying trips to Round Top/Warrenton and traveling to the East Coast, particularly Brimfield, MA. She would shop the flea markets for days, and then extend the trip to one of the coastal states, to continue her “junking” and enjoy the beaches, shops and gardens.
Joyce began following sports teams later in life, particularly the Houston Astros and could give the statistics and details of almost every player.
Joyce is preceded in death by her husband, Melbourn Shillings, of whom they were married 64 years.
She is survived by her three children; Scott Shillings and wife, Diane of Houston; Susan Solcher and husband, Steve of Houston; and Sherri Shillings of Port Lavaca; sister, Jamie Chambers and husband, Maurice; Grandchildren include: Clayton Shillings and wife, Emily, and their children: Barrett, Carson and Amy Jane; Grant Shillings, Conrad Shillings and wife, Elizabeth; Christian Solcher and wife, Alexandrea and their children: Sheppard and Samson; Jordan Bumstead and husband Ryan and their children: Lily and Isla; Derek Dierlam and wife, Lindsey and their children: Mason, Darren and Daisy; Cody Kneupper, Shay Kneupper and Lane Kneupper.
Funeral services to Celebrate her Life will be held Monday, June 9th at 11:00 am at Point Comfort United Methodist Church with a reception following the service. A private family burial will be held at a later date.
The pallbearers will be Derek Dierlam, Clayton, Grant and Conrad Shillings, Christian Solcher, Ryan Bumstead, Cody, Shay and Lane Kneupper.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Point Comfort United Methodist Church.
Words of comfort and special memories may be shared with the family at www.richardsoncolonial.com.
