Joyce Lena Stohner

Joyce Stohner was born March 1, 1925, in El Paso, Texas, to William and Sarah Langlow.After graduation from Austin High School, she began working as a secretary.On a Saturday evening at a Halloween church social, she met Kenneth Stohner, who had recently returned from service in the United States Navy during World War II.It was love at first sight and they were married a few months later in February, 1947, and remained married for 61 years until Ken’s death in 2008. Soon after their marriage, Ken felt God’s call to be a preacher of the gospel, and they moved to Fort Worth, Texas, to attend Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.They moved with two small children in a borrowed truck with no money but a strong belief that this was God’s will for them and He would provide.At seminary, Ken worked several part-time jobs and attended classes while Joyce cared for the children. Joyce served by the side of Ken for over 56 years as he pastored churches in Texas and New Mexico.She was a devoted wife to Ken, a wonderful mother and grandmother, and a good friend and encourager to countless people in the many churches in which she and Ken served.She had a servant’s heart and was always active as a Sunday School teacher, a leader in the Women’s Missionary Union and Girls Auxiliary, singing in the church choir and performing any unfilled task or job.Joyce had a deep faith and trust in God and His Word and was a committed prayer warrior.She loved people, loved to laugh, always had a smile, and possessed a kind and gentle spirit. She is survived by one daughter Linda Utgard and husband, Gordon; two sons, Kenneth Stohner, Jr. and wife, Beverly; and Sam Stohner and wife, Cynthia; six grandchildren,Mark Utgard and wife, Serena, Emily Riley and husband, Josh, Meredith Cassidy and husband, Scott, Justin Stohner, Matt Stohner and wife, Corina, and Scott Stohner; and one great-grandchild Kailyn Riley. The family wishes to express their deep appreciation for your many expressions of love and support during this time of loss. Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 21, 2013, at the Truett Chapel at First Baptist Church of Dallas, 1107 San Jacinto, Dallas, Texas 75201.