Joyce Sifford

Joyce Sifford, of Holly Lake Ranch, TX, formerly of Forney, passed away Jan. 20, 2017 in Tyler. She was born in Forney on November 1, 1943 to Henry Edward and Viola (Lee) Hendon, both of whom met her in Heaven along with her sisters: Eloise Kvapil, Dean Townsend and her brother, Edward Lee Hendon.

Growing up in Forney, Joyce graduated from Forney High School in 1962 and was an active member of First Baptist Church of Forney. At the age of 9, she met her future husband, Richard Sifford, and after his proposal in a letter to her while he served in California with the US Marine Corps, they were married on March 21, 1964. Joyce worked for the Army Air Force Exchange in Dallas and she retired in 2005 after 15 years of loyal service. In 2007, she and Richard decided to move to Holly Lake Ranch to enjoy their retirement where her wonderful personality enabled her to make new friends as well as having the chance to come back to Forney and visit with old friends. She loved her “unofficial daughter” (her beloved miniature poodle), Muffin and spoiling Muffin was a highlight of Joyce’s days. She was a loving and devoted grandmother and great grandmother and time spent with grandchildren and great grandchildren was time she cherished above all else. A cherished wife, loving mom and dedicated grandmother, precious sister, aunt and treasured friend, Joyce will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

She leaves to carry on her legacy her husband of 52 years, Richard Sifford of Holly Lake Ranch, TX; children: Beverly Lassiter of Ft. Worth and Jason Sifford and wife, Kelly, of Mechanicsville, MD; five grandchildren: Amber Bankston and husband, Kolton, of Odessa, TX, Brian Kerr and wife, Brittany, of Burleson, Corey Kerr and wife, Anna of North Richland Hills, Zach Ayers and wife Alison of La Plata, MD, and Megan Kerr of Ft. Worth; ten great grandchildren and brother, Durwood Hendon as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and a host of friends.

A Celebration of Joyce’s life will be at 4:00pm, Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at Max Slayton Funeral Chapel with Rev. Jerry Griffin officiating. For those wishing to honor Joyce’s memory, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared with the family at www.maxslaytonfunerals.com.