Joyce Sterling
May 16, 1937 - January 27, 2010
Biography
Joyce Lynn (Johnson) Sterling was born on May 16,1937 in Davidson, North Carolina to Avis Little Johnson and Harry Lee Johnson. She was an only child, a Daddy‘s girl and a “tomboy“. Her maternal grandfather was a minister and she was introduced to religion as an important value at an early age. Joyce attended Huntersville High School in Davidson and played piano in the Lutheran church during those years.
In 1954, following her high school graduation, she began college at Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, AL. She majored in English and further developed her knowledge and love of literature of all types. While in school there she met a tall basketball player named Randall Sterling, Jr. As the story goes, they were smitten with each other from the very beginning. He was a couple of years older and decided to ask for her hand in marriage when he graduated. She accepted his proposal and they made a decision to wait until after her graduation. While she completed her studies, Randall taught Physical Education and Science in Brewton, AL.
After her graduation, they were married in Galveston, TX, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. They remained in Galveston where they lived with relatives, taught school, and saved money to buy a home of their own. Joyce converted to Catholicism at the time of their marriage. They joined St Patrick’s Catholic Church in the early seventies. Joyce was an active participant in church and parish related activities.
In November of 1959, their first child - Randall Sterling III - was born. Two years later they had a second son, Rod Anthony Sterling. Joyce instilled a love of reading and appreciation of education in her children. The boys had the benefit of both parents and paternal grandparents as built-in babysitters since they all
lived together. This allowed Joyce the opportunity to return to work without having to be stressed about child care. In the sixties, they moved to their brand new home in Texas City, TX.
Joyce thoroughly enjoyed and loved teaching. Shakespeare and contemporary novels were special content areas that she liked. But, her greatest joy came from her contacts with her students who numbered in the thousands. She taught Honors and regular English classes and many of her students maintained contact with her long after they graduated. She initially taught at Central HS and then transferred to Ball HS. During her 42 year teaching career with Galveston Independent School District, she received numerous awards and recognitions. She retired from the District in 2004.
Joyce had a happy, independent spirit and a winning smile. She was personable and very easy to like. As a result, she had close friendships that endured over long periods of time. She had a strong belief and faith in God and these strengths never faltered. She privately endured a variety of health challenges over the past two years but she remained positive and hopeful. As was her way, she quietly but very unexpectedly slipped away from us in the early morning hours of January 27, 2010...her earthly work was done and she answered the call of her heavenly father. She will be sorely missed and eternally loved.
Joyce was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Pastor Earl and Mrs. Ella Little; her parents, Avis Little Johnson and Harry Lee Johnson.
She leaves to cherish her most precious memories her husband, Randall Sterling, Jr. of Texas City; two sons, Randall Sterling III (Carol & her family) of Galveston and Houston TX and the surrounding area; Rod Sterling of Denver, CO; one grandson, Randall Sterling IV of Houston; her stepmother, Lela Johnson and nephew Jerry Little, cousins, Tawana Springs and Gala Knox, lifelong friends, Helen & Tad Bogle all of Davidson, NC; one brother-in-law, Louis Sterling (Mary) of Apple Valley, CA; a sister-in-law, Cora Thurmond of Culver City, CA; four nieces and two nephews plus a host of cousins in California; her very special friends, Ruth Brown, Barbara Davis, Loretta Matthews, Doris Powell; and many devoted friends, neighbors, and church family members.
Facts
Born: May 16, 1937
Death: January 27, 2010
Guestbook
Share your thoughts and memories in the guestbook.
Services
Visitation
Thursday
February 4, 2010, 5 p.m.
- 7 p.m.
at
Emken-Linton Chapel
Click for Map and Directions
Funeral Service
Friday
February 5, 2010, 10 a.m.
at
Emken-Linton Chapel
Click for Map and Directions
Donations
Memorial donations may be made to: