Joyce was born in Sulphur, Louisiana to John Dudley and Elma ¨Little Bit” Johnson. She spent her early years on Pecan Street; exploring, climbing trees, riding horses, fishing, crabbing, and swimming in Moss Lake. She graduated from Sulphur High School and Louisiana State University. She was always fiercely proud of her Cajun heritage.
She met her husband Edwyn (Fritz) on a blind date in Lake Charles, LA. The Air Force took them up North and they started growing their family. There were numerous ports of call before they dropped anchor in Western NY, eventually purchasing an old farmhouse in Churchville. She and Fritz retired back to her childhood home in Sulphur, where she once again spent her days exploring, crabbing and fishing.
She was a passionate and faithful member of many parishes, most especially Prompt Succor in Sulphur and St. Christopher's Church in North Chili.
The water always called out to Joyce, and she followed adventure from the shores of the Choupique Bayou to the towpath of the Erie Canal, even living on a Houseboat, ¨The PartnerShip¨ for many years. Along the way her passions included work as a teacher, lay minister, counselor, gardener, inventor, student, woodworker and entertainer.
She navigated life with a twinkle in her eye, and she left an indelible impression on all those she met. She worked like a captain and played like a pirate! Joyce is reunited in heaven with her parents, sister Frankie, daughter Mary Frances and son Danny. She leaves behind her loving husband of 63 years, Fritz; children Laurie (Matt Elliston) Snyder, Mike Snyder, Sally (Dennis) Bacchetta, Holly (John) Swantek, and Jennifer (Sean) Kerr along with many grandchildren, great grandchildren, dear friend Mary Abbazia, and extended Cajun family with whom she shared her adventures.
A graveside service will be held at Mimosa Pines in Sulphur, Louisiana with arrangements being made through Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in her memory (alz.org).
While we mourn her loss, we celebrate her spirited voyage and the many lives she touched. May you have fair winds and following seas. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hixsonsulphurmemorial.com for the Snyder family.
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