Wanda Joyce Owen
Wanda Joyce Owen (Joyce), 85, of Beaumont, died peacefully at her daughter’s home Monday, April 10, 2023. She was born on November 25, 1937, to Johnnie Mae Crawford Pool and John Douglas Pool, in Church Hill, TX. She moved to Beaumont during elementary school and graduated from Beaumont High School in 1955 where she was a member of the Purple Queens. She attended Lamar University where she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority and was crowned Miss Beaumont in 1957. While at Lamar she met the “cutest boy in a grey cashmere sweater,” the love of her life, George Owen. They were married in 1958.
Upon graduation, Joyce taught as a first-grade teacher at Longfellow and Amelia elementary schools before retiring when her daughter was born. During this time, she enjoyed supporting her daughter at dance recitals, pep rallies and school events. She adored her daughter’s friends and loved them as her own. She also was a Sunday School teacher at Trinity United Methodist, where she attended church. Once her daughter graduated high school and left for college, Joyce went back to teaching – this time at Sallie Curtis Elementary School. She taught first-grade for 14 years before retiring in 2001 to spend more time with her granddaughters. Becoming a grandmother turned out to be her very favorite job!
Survivors include her daughter, Tanya and her husband, Scott Miller, of Dallas and their daughters, Hannah Miller and Molly Miller. Other family members include her sister, Karla and her husband, Doug Battle, of Beaumont; her nieces, Amber and Jared Sealy of Round Rock and their daughters, Abby and Avery and Laurel and Slater Arias of Dallas and their daughters, Goldie and Harper. Joyce is also survived by her siblings, Scott Pool and his wife, Janis, of Houston and their children Patricia, Paige and Smiley and Jenifer Rene Pool of Houston. And lastly Joyce is survived by her constant companion, a Pug named Stella.
She is preceded in death by her parents and husband, George Owen.
The family would like to thank Gentiva Hospice in Dallas for the excellent care Joyce received. We also will be forever grateful to her caregiver and true friend of three years, Esther Nwaogbe, who is now a part of our family.
A graveside service for Mrs. Owen will be 3:00 p.m., Friday, April 21, 2023, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 4955 Pine Street, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.
Graveside Service
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
- 4955, Pine St, Beaumont, TX, 77703,
- April 21, 2023
- 3:00 pm
I’m so very sorry to hear about Joyce’s death. I’m happy to hear that she spent her last years with her daughter and her family. I came to know Joyce when I was a teacher at Curtis elementary. We taught across the hall from each other. Every day, we would arrive at school early, along with our friend Pat Knox, and visit in the teacher’s lounge. She loved to teach first grade and was such a great teacher!!!! Just think about how many children’s lives she touched. She loved her daughter and her granddaughters. She would talk about them all the time. I know she’ll be missed, but she’s with George now.
Joyce was a wonderful teacher. Her direst grade classroom was next to my second grade classroom. My first grandchild, Caroline Hall, got to have her as a teacher. She learned so much. Joyce & I retired the same year. . She did adore you & those granddaughters. It is difficult to lose someone who has loved it you all your life. May your memories give you some peace. In God’s Love, Suzy Hall Stockert
Tanya – I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. Know that you all are in our hearts.
Love, Ian & Ashley McCracken
Tanya and Scott,
We are so very sorry for the loss of Tanya’s mom. May your sweet memories bring comfort to all of you as you grieve. Know that your CCG friends are sending our prayers and deepest sympathy.
May God be with you & comfort you
during this time of my special friend’s home going.She was a very special lady.
Most loving & caring & fun being to ever be around. I have so missed her as she moved …to be with the family she so loved. One of a kind & can never be replaced. Love you Joyce Owens
Forever. I know you are in the arms of our HEAVENLY Father & reunited with your love George. Blessings for all the Family…..Sam & Pj Huff????????????????????
Tanya and family, prayers for your family during this difficult time. Your mother was a wonderful lady that loved her family. So remember the dance rectials for Widmans at the Jefferson Theatre. She loved being a mother to you.
Eileen Tindall and Tracy Tindall Barnett
Thank you so much Eileen. Sooooo many dance studio and recital memories. Appreciate your kind words. Hugs to you and Tracy!!!!