Joyce Adams Ghormley

JOYCE ADAMS GHORMLEY, 79, died peacefully March 17, 2011 at Colonial Oaks Assisted Living in Pasadena where she had resided since December 2008 after being diagnosed with Vascular Dementia in 2006. Joyce was born May 6, 1931, in Abilene, Texas, to Kelso and Minnie Ola Ferguson Adams as their only child. She lived in Midland and San Marcos where she graduated from high school in 1948. Joyce attended Southwest Texas State College, receiving both her Bachelors and Masters in Music Education. She was a lifelong teacher of music at Jackson Junior High and South Houston High School, her students and choirs gave outstanding musical programs performing successfully in UIL competitions year after year. In 1963, Joyce was recruited by San Jacinto College where she taught music theory, ear training, vocal and instrumental performance until retirement in 1997. She retired as the Chairman of the College Music Department. Joyce served as Chancel Choir Director of First United Methodist Church for three years where the family has been members since 1959. She was sought as a soloist through the years and remained a devoted advocate of San Jacinto College and trusted advisor for former students until her untimely illness. In retirement Joyce enjoyed scrapbooking for her grandchildren, flower arranging, and making baby blankets for friends and new parents. She tried to spend as much time as possible with her mother-in law, Naomi Ghormley, and her pet Schnauzer, Max, at the family retreat in Huntsville. Joyce is survived by her loving husband of 51 years Cecil Ghormley, children Elizabeth Dauer and husband, Daryl, and Michael Ghormley and wife, Pam; grandchildren Lindsey, and Ryan Dauer and Meagan, and Aly Ghormley; together with a host of extended family and former students. The family will receive friends at Grand View Funeral Home on Friday, March 18 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 19 at Grand View Funeral Home at 11:00AM with the Rev. Cheryl Smith and Rev. Jay Ghormley officiating. The family is thankful for the kind and generous spirit of compassion given Joyce by the staff and caregivers of Colonial Oaks at Vista. In-lieu-of flowers, donations may be made to the San Jacinto College Foundation or First United Methodist Church, Pasadena, Texas, Choir Fund. To express words of comfort to the family, please visit www.grandviewfunerals.com