Joyce Morrell Wilson

It is with great sadness that the family of Joyce Morrell Wilson, 90, of Beaumont, announce her passing at 10:45 a.m., October 12, 2017, at her home. She was born on December 19, 1926, in Beaumont, Texas. Joyce was the third of four children born to Vick and Tina Morrell and grew up with her sisters, Marie and Genevieve, and brother, Frank, on the family dairy farm in Beaumont. Joyce was part of a large Italian family with many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She graduated from South Park High School. After high school, she met the love of her life, Robert Wilson, while working at the Fair Store after he returned home from the war. The couple married on September 14, 1947. They began their family with the birth of their first son, Robert “Bo” and later Lauren then Carl.

Joyce worked for Texas Metal Works in Beaumont for about 20 years. In 1969, Robert and Joyce relocated their family to Wilmington, North Carolina, where they owned and operated multiple Gibson’s Discount Stores. Life was busy and filled with many friends and activities but the most memorable times were the ones she spent with her family. In North Carolina, she welcomed her first two grandchildren, Robbie and Mary Ashley. In the following years she was blessed with four more beautiful grandkids, Lee, Hunter, Cole and Allie. Her grandchildren were the pride and joy of her life. Cooking and taking care of kids was her life’s mission. She had a true servants heart and was the most fabulous cook. There was no problem in life that a good bowl of her pasta couldn’t fix!

After raising their children in North Carolina the couple returned to Beaumont in 1981. Joyce went to work with friends to help start Western of Texas Forge and Flange where she worked for 18 years until she retired in 2002. During these years she spent much of her free time attending her grandchildren’s activities and sporting events. She also enjoyed time spent with her sisters, nieces and nephews. Joyce was always the best hostess for all family celebrations and events with her large extended family of in-laws. Her kind heart and gentle spirit was what drew people to her. She was a strong woman that only saw the best in others.

Surviving Joyce is her husband of 70 years, Robert Wilson; her three children, Robert “Bo” Wilson of Beaumont; Lauren Wullenwaber of Beaumont; and Carl and Shelly Wilson, of Beaumont; sister, Marie Fourt; six grandchildren, Robert and Kelly Wilson, Mary Ashley Smith, Lee and Misti Wullenwaber, Hunter and Natalie Wilson, Cole and Heather Wilson, and Allie Wilson; five great-grandchildren, Carly Wilson, Cameron Wilson, Nicole Smith, Lane Wullenwaber, Cross Wilson, and arriving soon, Tucker Wullenwaber.

Joyce’s passion for family was the most important part of her life and remained so until her last days with us. She was so loved because she loved so well.

A gathering of Joyce’s family and friends will begin at 5:00 p.m., with a Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m., Monday, October 16, 2017, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, October 17, 2017, at Broussard’s, with interment to follow at Haven of Rest Cemetery, Beaumont.

Our family would like to thank the precious ladies that have spent the last three years caring for Joyce with all of the love and compassion she deserved. Sharon Jones, Gaye Bluitt, Marjorie Seals, Brittany Harris, Shanna Taylor, Pam Langley, and Kelly Koss have all been such a blessing to us and have become part of our family. We would also like to thank Harbor Hospice for their wonderful care.