Joyce Hollimen

Joyce was born on 9/10/1937, in Harlingen, TX, to Stephen and Grace Halbert. She grew up and spent her childhood in Rangerville, Texas, where she enjoyed assisting her father on the farm and the family grocery store. She was a very active member in her community, holding an integral part in her local churches operations. She taught Sunday school and volunteered with childhood development activities.

Joyce attended high school at San Benito High School in San Benito, Texas, graduating in May of 1955. After completing high school, she attended Baylor University completing a four year Bachelor of Arts Degree in only 3 years’ time, in 1958. She then attended the University of Houston in Clear Lake, receiving her Masters of Science in 1981.

She went on to teach English for over 35 years, within the public school districts of San Benito ISD, LaFeria ISD, and then Deer Park ISD, from 1958-1994.

During her time at Deer Park ISD, she developed and implemented an 8th grade Career Day. This was a week-long event that brought in professionals from all over the state and was the first of its kind in the district.

She also developed and created the Deer Park ISD eighth grade journalism program, which spawned both a journalism class and a monthly school newspaper, the “Jolly Roger.”

Joyce married Robert J Hollimen in January 1959 in Rangerville, Texas. During their fifty six year marriage they enjoyed travel to exotic locations like Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico City, and beyond. They enjoyed entertaining friends, family, and people within their community at weekend BBQ’s, fish fries, and shrimp boils at their Pasadena, Texas, home.

During their marriage, they had one daughter, Melody Jo, in December 1960. Growing up they shared in the love of artistic creation through mediums like painting and drawing. Melody would go on to provide her with two granddaughters, Sophie and Courtney. Joyce would share her love of knowledge and creativity with them as well, fostering the seeds of curiosity and a deep love of learning. An avid bookworm, Joyce had a ravenous appetite for the written word and spent hours reading to her grandchildren. She imparted to them the importance of the written word and she was tenacious in her reinforcement of that principle.

Joyce Hollimen was an exceptional woman that had a way of bringing out the good in everyone she met. She was deeply loved and cherished by not only her closest circle of family and friends, but by the legions of children that she helped to shape and mold into the best versions of themselves. Without a doubt, Joyce stood as a shining example of who we can be and what we can achieve when we are able to devote our lives to the altruistic betterment of those around us. She was and will remain an inspiration in the hearts of many and, because of this, her legacy and work will continue to live on.

Joyce is survived by her daughter Melody Jo Story, of whom she loved deeply, and her husband Victor Story. She is also survived by her two grandchildren, Sophie Madeline LeBlanc and her husband Glenn LeBlanc, and Courtney Story.

In keeping with Joyce’s wishes and honoring her memory and intent, no public services or memorial will be held. There will be a small private family celebration of her life this summer, where her ashes will be scattered back home in the Rio Grande Valley.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pasadenafuneralchapel.com for the Hollimen family.