April 11, 1923-November 17, 2017
On November 17, 2017 Joyce passed from the loving arms of her family to the open arms of her Savior.
Joyce was born to Samuel and Nettie Johnson on April 11, 1923 in Cooper, Texas. She married Jimmie J. Hicks on March 21, 1941, her loving husband of 64 years until his passing in 2005. While Jimmie served in Italy during World War II Joyce became a certified welder in the shipyards of Stockton, CA, proudly working to help build Liberty Ships.
They moved to Watsonville following the end of the war, where she worked, raised 3 children and continued going to school, eventually becoming an LVN, graduating in 1962 from Cabrillo College. She loved being a nurse almost as much as she loved her family. Joyce worked at Santa Cruz County hospital 13 years until its closing. She then returned to school and obtained her Real Estate Sales License and worked with her husband Jimmie in their family business as well as continuing her career as a nurse.
Joyce was a devoted loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She will be greatly missed by her family, her strong will and spirit will remain in our hearts always.
She is survived by her 3 children and their spouses, Jim (Debbie) Hicks, Sandy (Manuel) Cabral, and Gary Hicks; 8 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; siblings Royce and Ronnie Johnson and Linda Bond. She was predeceased by her brother Rick Morgan.
We would like to express a special thank you to Dr. Christopher O’Grady, Hospice of Santa Cruz County, especially Amanda, Heather, Chris, Karen, Jeanette and Nancy from Valley Convalescent Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice of Santa Cruz County.
Visitation services will be held on Sunday, December 3, 2017 from 5-9 PM at Ave Maria Memorial Chapel. A service will be held on Monday, December 4, 2017 at 11 AM at Ave Maria Memorial Chapel with burial services to follow at Pajaro Valley Memorial Park.
Arrangements have been entrusted in the care of The Carroll Family of Ave Maria Memorial Chapel, www.avemariamemorialchapel.com
