Joyce Olean Ford's Obituary
Joyce Olean Ford passed away peacefully on June 11, 2023 surrounded by her adoring family at the age of 94 years, six months and 12 days. To honor Joyce’s remarkable life, a gathering for friends and family will be held at Robertson Funeral Directors in Wheeler, TX on June 13, 2023 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on June 14, 2023 at Middlewell United Methodist Church with John Paul officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Ford Family Cemetery in Middlewell TX.
Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors in Wheeler, TX.
Joyce was born on November 30, 1928 in Keys Oklahoma. She married the love of her life, Bennie Ford, on August 3, 1947 and was happily devoted to him for 67 years. Joyce's life was marked by unwavering determination and a passion for mentoring. She actively supported the youth in her community through the 4-H club. She generously hosted riding clinics, sharing her knowledge and empowering aspiring riders. An accomplished equestrian, Joyce took her first formal riding lesson at the age of 40 years old and competed in a plethora of competitions, including but not limited to Western Pleasure, Western Horsemanship, Reining, Trail, Pole Bending, and even the Pony Express Race – Dalhart's XIT. One of her achievements held a special place in her heart: Joyce took from an untrained two-year-old to a finished show horse, Kizzy, an astonishing 46 AQHA All-Around titles and eight World Championship Qualifications. Joyce was a true horsewoman.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Bennie Ford, daughter Trista Ship, parents, Charlie and Goldie Flyr, and granddaughter, Allyson Ford.
She is survived by her daughter, Kathryne and her husband Mark Jameson of Shamrock, TX, and her son, Glenn and wife Carrie Ford of Channing, TX. She leaves behind a legacy of love and guidance to her grandchildren: Shawn Bright, Shannon Henderson, Tylena Horton, Amanda Uhl, Ty Radney, Holly McCleskey, Tana Byrd, Dallas Moore, Heather Leeper, Leah Ford, and Makenzie Dunn. Joyce was also blessed with 29 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren.
Her presence and love will be deeply missed by her entire family and all those whose lives she touched. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Mobeetie Volunteer Fire Department.
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