Joyce Kezhaya

On August 7, 2019, at 6 pm, our Mother, Joyce Stephens Kezhaya passed away. Joyce is survived by her children, Jerry, Lexus, Valana and Tommy; her grandchildren, Nathan, Matthew, Nick, Alice, Zack, Jack, Thomas, and Sasha; her sister, Betty Spear; and her brothers, Tom and Myron. My Mother loved life!She was an incredibly vivacious woman who was courageous, loyal, a mother of 4 children, and an incredible businesswoman.On a crisp February day in 1938, the world rejoiced at the birth of Joyce and her twin brother, Jerry.These two bundles of Joy would join a large southern family from Alabama, who ultimately had a total of 10 children.Even as a child, Joyce was full of vigor and had a brilliant mind.She was given the duty to help her family at a young age, and that feeling never left her. Her childhood was spent working on a farm, then a pickle factory, as well as a grocery store, where she said she learned how to make money and run a business. Opportunity brought her father, William Emmett Stephens, to Michigan for seasonal work.During this period, Joyce took a job as a legal secretary in Detroit, Michigan, where she would eventually meet a business owner named Joseph Kezhaya.Joyce and Joe had four children and owned an auto repair shop.Joe Kezhaya passed away December 17, 2006. In 1973, Joyce was introduced to Dallas, Texas, with dreams of owning a jewelry store.Over the next 46 years, Joyce had her hand in many different businesses. She would open the first 24-hour bail bonding agency on Commerce Street in downtown Dallas; she worked with Wall’s Catering, AAA insurance, an auto shop (or two); and in 1980, she got her chance to own a jewelry store in Richardson.There were ups and downs for Joyce during the years, but it was the opportunity to buy Appliances of Plano that changed her life.For the next two decades, Joyce owned Appliances of Plano, where she truly had the opportunity to thrive.Joyce never forgot the burdens that she bore from her early days, nor did she forget the people who stood by her during those difficult times.Her door was always open for the many friends she met along life's way, which included people from all walks of life, from the affluent to the poor.Everyone who knew Joyce loved her wit, her perseverance, drive, welcoming personality, brilliant smile, and powerful courage.Over the decades, people would call Joyce for advice, as she always had an answer to all of life's problems.She was always available, answering your call at any hour, day or night. Joyce especially went out of her way to make herself available for her siblings, regardless of the cost. The incredible amount of devotion and love Joyce showed her family was enviable.Joyce’s family stayed together through thick and thin, recovered from family squabbles, and stood by one another as a force of nature. I asked my Mom what her favorite memory in life was, and she told me that the most fun she ever had was celebrating hers and Jerry’s (her twin brother) 70th birthday on a cruise ship.It makes sense that Mom’s favorite memory included her brother, and it makes sense that Mom lost a little piece of herself when she watched her brother pass away just after their 75th birthday.The biggest tragedy in life is that the woman who had the biggest heart for people, all people, died from a heart that failed her. Mom loved life more than anyone I’ve ever known.She was fearless in the face of adversity and fearless even at death.She thrived on new experiences and literally beamed as bright as the north star when she discovered something clever.Mom never took “no” for an answer.She couldn’t be stopped if her mind was made up.She was an outlier, a pioneer for women, not just in her time but in our time.Mom taught me to love my family and not be stubborn when differences come up, as they often do, and to live with a nonjudgmental heart, not knowing what circumstances brought that person to where they are today.Mom taught me to work hard every day and be grateful for the ability to earn a good living; to be a truly devoted Mom to my two sons; to be wise with my money, yet also generous to those less fortunate.Mom taught me to be brave and to follow my dreams.The only thing Mom didn’t teach me is how to live without her.I miss you so much, Mom. I will always love you, Valana