“When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll,
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say; it is well with my soul”
Joyce Lynn Penner, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, peacefully passed away on June 3rd, 2024. Surrounded by her loving husband Dale, his son Shane and two angel respite workers, Shelly and Amanda that helped him take such good care of her. She was 75 years old.
Born on February 27, 1949, in Lafayette, Tennessee, Joyce, also affectionately known as Shorty, was a beacon of love, kindness and grace. She touched the lives of all that knew her with her unwavering compassion and gentle spirit.
Throughout her life, Joyce dedicated herself to her family and community. Her nurturing presence filled our home with warmth and laughter. She was a source of strength during difficult times and a constant source of joy during moments of celebration.
Joyce had a passion for music, the outdoors, fishing, and flying with her husband Dale, who has been her best friend and husband for 28 years. She was an amazing piano player and was a member of the Gospel Pilgrims along with many close friends and close cousin Jimmy Shaw. Later, whether she was tending to her pets, cooking delicious meals for her home, or for the tenants at the fly-in-fishing lodge at Washahigan Lake, Manitoba, Canada, helping to run the store at the First Nations reserve at Deer Lake Ontario, or just being with Dale, she approached everything with boundless enthusiasm and generosity.
She was preceded in death by her first husband Hal Cliburn, father Albert Shockley, mother Gladys Laurene Hagar, Grandfather William Haskell Brandon, Grandmother Lillie Gladys Shaw Brandon, Cousin James Shaw, also known as “Uncle Jimmy” whom she was very close to.
She will be deeply missed by her husband Dale, daughter Ali and husband Dennis, granddaughter Jessica and grandson Nicholas, stepdaughter Nikki and husband Clay, and their daughter Evelyn, Shauna Penner, and her children Brandy, Jordie, and Christopher, Shane and his wife Tammy, their children Hope and Noah, and Joyce’s sister Carolyn. She has many cousins in Lafayette that she grew up with that loved her very much and niece Tammy, husband Joe, and nephew Alan. All those who were fortunate enough to know her will know that her legacy of love and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who were touched by her presence.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America at the following website: https://alzfdn.org/donate/ in honor of Joyce’s lifelong commitment to helping others.
A celebration of Joyce’s life will be held in Canada at 6 Shaun Dale Drive, Seven Sisters Falls, Manitoba on June 29th, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. Her ashes will be spread at one of her and Dale’s favorite spots, Whitemouth River Falls where the river runs into the Winnipeg River. All who know and loved her are invited to attend and share their fondest memories. However, being so far away, if any would like to write a note, Box 39, Seven Sisters Falls, Manitoba, R0E 1Y0 or text 1-204-770-4570. Dale will be more than happy to read that and we can all light a candle and say a special prayer that day. I know that would make her very happy.
Though she may be gone from our sight, Joyce’s love will continue on to guide us, and her memory will forever be cherished in our hearts.
Rest in peace sweet Joyce. You will always be remembered with love and gratitude.
Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on the Joyce’s memorial page using the comment field below.