Joyce Gregor Mallory

Joyce was a wonderful big sister to Martha Kolar (Alan) and a loving mother to her two children, Dr. Geoffrey Turner (Kathleen) and Stephanie Proper (John). She was also a cherished stepmother to Derek Mallory (Cindy), Dana Mallory (Charis), and Alan Mallory. As a doting grandmother of ten, she is remembered by Stephen Turner (Carlee), Jonathan Turner (Ashley), Michael and Grace Proper, and Lori, Bryan, Jacob, Elizabeth, Sara, and Colin Mallory. Joyce was delighted to welcome her first great-grandchild, Shane Gregor Turner, in June of 2024.

Joyce was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on September 22, 1942, to Michael and Martha Gregor. She graduated from the National College of Education in 1964 and later received a master's degree in education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. A lifelong educator, she concentrated on teaching elementary school in Colorado, Michigan, Nebraska, and Texas. In 1989, she decided to leave the classroom and became a high school librarian at Clements High School in Sugar Land, Texas, retiring in 2001.

Beyond her career in education, Joyce was an artist, excelling in painting, sewing, knitting, and quilting. She acted as a quilt angel for several years at the International Quilt Festival in Houston and was active in both the Lutheran Women's Missionary League and the quilting group at Fishers of Men Lutheran Church. She was specifically known for her creative contests, known as "Mallory Madness," during women's retreats.

Joyce was also a world traveler and adventurous soul. When each of her ten grandchildren became teenagers, she took them on a world trip to destinations including Greece, Turkey, Australia (twice), France, Italy, Ireland, Hawaii, the Galapagos Islands, and Seattle. She visited the Great Wall, the pyramids, Machu Picchu, Nepal, the Serengeti, as well as most of the 50 states.

She had an extensive group of friends with whom she loved to cook, bake, and enjoy charcuterie and the occasional glass of wine. Her collection of camels was unmatched. Joyce would want everyone to remember her adventurous spirit and to lead lives filled with faith, family, friends, and fun. As per her wishes, her ashes will be scattered on her beloved Lake Elizabeth in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin.

A memorial service for Joyce will be held at Fishers of Men Lutheran Church in Sugar Land on Saturday, November 8 at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joyce's memory to Fishers of Men Lutheran Church: LWML or quilters at www.Fishersofmen.org.