Joyce Irene Shepard
Joyce was born in Twin Falls Idaho to Vaughn and LaRue Fisher on April 16, 1934. She was the 4th child in a family full of love. Joyce met Jack Taylor, they married in 1955 and together celebrated their two children, Katherine and John. He preceded her in death, leaving her with two young children. Soon after, she met William Shepard at the University of Washington, where he was an ROTC instructor. Bill wooed her by instructing his troops to point their miniature tanks at Joyce as she walked by the Sylvan Theatre. They were married three months later, they had two boys, William and Timothy. Joyce was survived by her 4 children and bonus son John D, 9 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Mom’s childhood was filled with friends and accomplishments; loved to fish, was district champion in tennis, member of Young Life Christians, and many other interests. Mom had lifelong friends in Shirl, Crayton and Ruth. Mom graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in English Literature and was an English Major which she put to use as a teacher. But the title doesn’t encompass all that she did, nor the countless lives she touched. She gave to all, whether a student or not, love, empathy, sympathy, understanding and guidance. She reached out to at-risk students, giving inspiration, ambition, hope, and pride. Her love for her own kids was unparalleled, as was the love for her students. She taught at ECI in Everett, and Scriber Lake. She also taught autistic children, when the spectrum was first being researched in the early 70’s. Mom lived her life enthusiastically, with a joy for music, sports, spending time with long-time friends, and being surrounded by family. Being with her ever growing family was perhaps her greatest joy. She was the glue that bound us into the tight knit family we are today. Hers is the love that will be passed down to our future generations, keeping us together, keeping us strong, keeping our hearts full. Mom left us peacefully, surrounded by family and love to be with Jesus and all those loved ones who went before- Viao con dios Mom!Obituary
Joyce was born in Twin Falls Idaho to Vaughn and LaRue Fisher on April 16, 1934. She was the 4th child in a family full of love. Joyce met Jack Taylor, they married in 1955 and together celebrated their two children, Katherine and John. He preceded her in death, leaving her with two young children. Soon after, she met William Shepard at the University of Washington, where he was an ROTC instructor. Bill wooed her by instructing his troops to point their miniature tanks at Joyce as she walked by the Sylvan Theatre. They were married three months later, they had two boys, William and Timothy. Joyce was survived by her 4 children and bonus son John D, 9 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Mom’s childhood was filled with friends and accomplishments; loved to fish, was district champion in tennis, member of Young Life Christians, and many other interests. Mom had lifelong friends in Shirl, Crayton and Ruth. Mom graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in English Literature and was an English Major which she put to use as a teacher. But the title doesn’t encompass all that she did, nor the countless lives she touched. She gave to all, whether a student or not, love, empathy, sympathy, understanding and guidance. She reached out to at-risk students, giving inspiration, ambition, hope, and pride. Her love for her own kids was unparalleled, as was the love for her students. She taught at ECI in Everett, and Scriber Lake. She also taught autistic children, when the spectrum was first being researched in the early 70’s. Mom lived her life enthusiastically, with a joy for music, sports, spending time with long-time friends, and being surrounded by family. Being with her ever growing family was perhaps her greatest joy. She was the glue that bound us into the tight knit family we are today. Hers is the love that will be passed down to our future generations, keeping us together, keeping us strong, keeping our hearts full. Mom left us peacefully, surrounded by family and love to be with Jesus and all those loved ones who went before- Viao con dios Mom!
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Kent, WA 98042