Joyce Ann Sondheimer of Diamondhead, MS, a devout Catholic, was called home to the Lord on Friday November 5, 2021, having spent the last 9 1/2 years- being cared for in the long-term care facility at the Veterans Administration's Community Living Center in Biloxi, MS, she never fully recovering from a TBI-hemorrhagic stroke. Joyce was 68 years old.

   She was raised in Bethesda Chevy Chase, MD, and attended Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School.   Her love of sports and outdoor activity led her to pursue a degree in Physical Education, Recreation and Health, graduating with a BS from the University of Maryland in 1976 and completing an MA from East Carolina University in 1981.

   After her parents retired to Myrtle Beach, SC, she went to live there, too. She joined the Army in 1982 as a Personnel Specialist and served until 1997, finishing her Army career as an E-6 staff sergeant. While in the Army she was stationed at various locations in the States and overseas, including Baumholder, Germany and Ft Campbell, KY.

   She retired to the Mississippi Gulf Coast and purchased a home in Diamondhead to be near her sister Joan and her large family. She found employment and enjoyment working in the hotel and casino industry.

   She loved outdoor activity and working out at the gym, along with reading and singing, and was a particular fan of country pop music. She very much loved her family. She often helped newcomers at the local gym learn how to use the equipment there. She loved being around children too and could often be found helping out in the church nursery or helping a friend coach soccer or softball.

   Joyce was preceded in death by her parents Allen and Mary (Edwards) Sondheimer and her beloved cat, Tabby.

   She is survived by her 5 siblings- brother Robert (Cynthia) Sondheimer and sisters Patricia (Steve) Maskell, Joan (Dan) Munger, Susan Kick, and Carol (Doug) Carneal.   She was also Aunt Joyce to 11 nieces and nephews.

Thank you for visiting her tribute wall.  She loved her friends and family. Please share a memory on her tribute wall.

Memorial contributions- her favorite charities were Wounded Warrior Project and multiple pro-life organizations

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Biloxi is proud to serve the Sondheimer family.