Joyce Louise Fox, daughter of O'Neil and Malvina Gaudin, grew up in Cedar Grove along with her seven siblings. As a young teenager, she helped her mother care for many less fortunate "welfare babies" common in her era. She attended St. Vincent's Academy and was educated by the Daughter of the Cross.
In 1948 she married R.T. (Bob) Fox at St. John Berchman's Church where they began their 58 year journey together until his passing in 2006.
Providing for and raising their own children supplied a multitude of challenges always faced firmly together with steadfast loyalty, devotion and their trust in the Lord's divine providence. Early on, they lost their first child, John, at childbirth and he was never forgotten. They instilled their honest, salt of the earth, hard working integrity into their family. Joyce was a resourceful homemaker and absolute marvel managing it all with precision and seamless ease. Her Christmas Eve open houses are legendary. Throughout the years, they were original, active members of Holy Rosary, St. Catherine of Siena, and St. Mary of the Pines parishes. Eventually, Joyce and Bob returned home to St. John's and were supportive of the renovation of the cathedral and the Prayer Garden projects.
In retirement, Joyce and Bob relished traveling to visit family or satisfy their appreciation of diverse landscapes and scenery. They particularly enjoyed trips to Germany, Canada and the Pacific Northwest. Joyce actually never retired. As a faithful friend and natural caregiver, she attended to numerous family members and friends during their end-of-life stage. Always willing to help lonely, poor or widowed acquaintances, she logged countless time, energy and mileage for others' appointments, shopping or just a visit over a cup of coffee to brighten their days. Blessed with unmatched stamina, she balanced it all gracefully and never shortchanged any of those she loved.
An imperfect woman of unwavering faith, selfless spirit, strong opinions, sharp wit, playful joy and just enough sass, Joyce has been an extraordinary example of genuine humility, perseverance, forgiveness and acceptance. A lifelong catholic, she always demonstrated her enduring gifts as blessings from God. She leaves an unforgettable legacy and will be dearly missed by the many whose lives she touched.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Thomas "Bob" Fox; parents, O'Neil Gaudin, Sr. and Malvina Gaudin and son,
baby John Fox.
Left to cherish her memory is her sons, Greg Fox (Donna), George Fox (Kay), Chris Fox (Tracy), Lawrence Fox (Dianne) and Keith Fox (Leslie); daughters, Marie Elaine Bonner (Jim), Lucia Young (Doug), Michelle Lanigan (Steve) and sister, Estelle Nasser. She is also survived by 28 grandchildren, 49 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild along with numerous nieces and nephews.
A visitation for Joyce will be held on Sunday, February 15, 2026 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, Louisiana 71108. A Rosary will be recited at 5:30 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Cathedral of Saint John Berchmans, 939 Jordan St. Shreveport, Louisiana 71101. Interment will take place at Centuries Memorial Park. Honoring the family as pallbearers will be Justin Young, William Fox, John Thomas Lanigan, Caleb Bonner, Dillon Fox and Adam Fox. Honorary pallbearers are Ethan Myers, Daniel Fox, Dakota Nalitt and Corey Tohme'.
