Joyce Elaine Sterling was born On August 21, 1941 in San Antonio Texas to parents, Edward Moody Shellaby and Erna Alvina Rauch Shellaby. She took her final bow on this earthly stage on June 27, 2021.
Joyce was always a little “extra”. She was flamboyant and dramatic, outspoken and opinionated and never hesitated to tell you what she thought but it was always with love. She had flair and she aided others in achieving their shine. She owned and operated a custom costume shop in Texas City. But, finery and fun was not her only passion. She had a strong and unwavering faith in God. It was this faith that made her so determined and dedicated to the survival and recovery of other human souls. Once Joyce loved you, she never gave up on you. She helped so many in getting their own lives back on track and out of the streets. There are many “children” who would rise up and call her blessed. She may have been tough, but she was always lady.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Sterling; daughter, Jinna Heath; mother, Erna Van Cleave.
She is survived by her daughters, Judy Blalack and Rossie Fox; son, William Van Ripa; grandchildren, Michelle, Penny, Kari, Ericha and Zackie V; great-grandchildren, Madilynne, Weston, Jinna, Charliegh; and her dear friend, Lisa Bowshier.
Visitation will be held at Fry Gibbs Funeral Home on Wednesday at 1:00 PM. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM. She will be buried between her husband and daughter at Evergreen Cemetery following the service at Fry Gibbs.
