Joyce Rae Stewart

Joyce Rae Penn Stewart, age 87, passed away in Houston, Texas on July 7, 2023. She was born in McCulloch County Texas, on December 15, 1935, to Thomas Goldman Penn and Bessie Rae Haywood. She was a 1954 graduate of Rochelle High School. On May 22, 1954, Joyce married her high school sweetheart Joe Curtis Stewart and they moved to Houston where they raised 2 children. She worked for the Spring Branch Independent School District as an administrative assistant for 20 years before retiring in 1998.

During her lifetime, Joyce was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved spending time with her family and friends. Her hands were never idle; she was an excellent seamstress, artist, pianist, and enjoyed creating handmade items. She was strong in her beliefs and proud of her family. We will remember her beautiful smile as we celebrate her life and carry her memory in our hearts forever.

She is survived by her son, Ron Stewart and wife Linda; her daughter, Stacey Hartzo and husband Gary; her grandchildren; Jason Stewart, Rachel Stewart Phillips and husband Jonathan, Kelli Hartzo Kocurek and husband Jake, and Christi Hartzo; her great-grandchildren; Mackella, Grayson, and Ember; and her nephew Randy Penn.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, and husband, Joe Curtis Stewart after 48 years of marriage.

Joyce was a dedicated member of Bear Creek United Methodist Church where she participated in Fellowship Friday and Energizers. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to www.bearcreekumc.org/giving, in her honor.

A Celebration of Life for Joyce will take place at Bear Creek United Methodist Church, 16000 Rippling Water Drive in Houston on Thursday, July 20 at 10 a.m. The service will be conducted by Reverend Ron Hilton with a reception following. Interment will be at the Rochelle Cemetery on Saturday, July 22 at 10 a.m.