Joyce A. Scherz's Obituary
Joyce Alene Scherz "Joysu" 05/23/30 ~ 09/15/08
Joyce Alene Scherz, born May 23, 1930 in Corvallis, Oregon to Arthur and Helen Marks, faithfully endured to the end of her challenging - yet rewarding - life, on September 15, 2008. Joyce was a devoted wife, dearly beloved mother, talented and creative artist, loyal friend, and a champion for her heavenly Father, Jehovah God. Joyce pledged her love and loyalty to her husband, Robert G. Scherz, on September 20, 1953, who preceded her in death on September 6, 2003. Before he passed away, they celebrated 50 years of enduring love, commitment, and a fulfilling life together. Their marriage model has served as a legacy of love and dedication for their children, who have honorably followed their faithful example in their respective marriages. Joyce (Mom) was recognized as a gentle, loving, unselfish, caring, compassionate, and giving mother. For example, rather than pursuing her own musical career as a pianist, singer (including a radio vocalist) or other personal interests, she devoted her life to her children. This lifetime commitment to them stands as a tribute to her determination to focus on the health, happiness, and spiritual welfare of her family. During her life, as a caring mother, Joyce embraced her six children, Karl (Maureen), Eric (Becky), Kirk (Denise), Kris (Loretta), Kraig (Julie), Kim Sparling (Todd), and 13 grandchildren with much love and affection. Perhaps, one of her most appreciated roles as a mother and grandmother was the constant spiritual guidance she provided for her children and grandchildren. Truly, she was a remarkable spiritual role model for them. Academically, Joyce graduated from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon and received a Bachelor's degree and scholarship in music. This education served as a solid foundation and a constant theme in her life. It also enabled her to pursue her love for music, as she applied her diversified talents to her accomplished piano compositions, and entertained her family and friends with her soft gentle voice, using music as the expression of her unique personality. To more fully understand the complexity of her life, the depth of her sense of wonder, her emotions, faith, and personal tribulations, it is important to read her poetry, which was recognized as one of her creative gifts and natural talents. Joyce (Joysu) would often say, "Poetry is the song in my heart, and she freely offered her poems to family and friends as a gesture of compassion and encouragement. Her love of poetry also inspired her to author many creative and imaginative views of life, love, and hope that centered on her enduring belief in the Bible's promise of life in a peaceful new world for all ETERNITY. Joyce was also recognized as an extremely gifted pianist. She would often entertain her family and friends with her delightful music or simply play the piano for her personal enjoyment. Joyce profoundly touched the lives of family, friends, and the community. Her free-spirited personality and contagious laugh were appreciated by many, and her passion for life enhanced the quality of life for others. Also, Joyce was appreciated for her unlimited generosity. She opened her hands and heart to everyone, and her arms were often extended to deliver a warm, affectionate hug. Joyce's children would like to offer special recognition and sincere thanks to the friends and caregivers, whom she adopted as her sons, daughters, and grandchildren who genuinely demonstrated compassion and support for Joyce, especially in her later years. Joyce's enduring passion was her unwavering love, unshakable loyalty, and uncompromising integrity to her faith. As one of Jehovah's Witnesses for 37 years, she proved to be a champion of truth for her heavenly Father, Jehovah God. She was also respected as a loyal Christian, who endeavored to reflect a Christ-like personality. She viewed Jehovah God as her Great Shepherd in whom she could trust implicitly for the power beyond what is humanly possible, which enabled her physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually to pursue His divine will. Despite her personal challenges, Joyce would often say, "Jehovah makes up for what I lack!" Her commitment to love Jehovah with her whole mind, heart, soul, and strength, and desire to display love of neighbor, resulted in a lifetime of service to Jehovah's name and universal sovereignty (His right and rightfulness to rule the universe). During her regular public ministry, Joyce boldly and courageously declared Jehovah's name and proclaimed God's Kingdom (Jehovah's heavenly government), the agency that He will use to restore the earth to a global paradise of peace, security, and prosperity. Her participation in this ministry was one of the most fulfilling experiences in her life. Moreover, Joyce's peace-loving and compassionate Christian personality attracted family, friends, and members of her community to the Bible's message of hope. Indeed, she invited others to join her on her spiritual journey, walking the narrow road that leads to a fulfilling life on a paradise earth. Formally and informally, Joyce magnified the majestic name of the only true God, Jehovah. By her formal, personal testimony at her neighbor's front door and her friendly, informal witnessing with friends and people in the community, she manifested her unfailing love and devotion to Jehovah and unselfish concern, and compassion for others. Indeed, she softened many hearts, and affected many lives. Furthermore, she trusted her heavenly Father's promise of an earthly resurrection, where she, her husband, and millions of others will be resurrected and reunited with family and friends, with the hope of eternal life. Then, eventually everyone living on earth will enjoy a fulfilling life free from pain, suffering, and death under the rulership of Jehovah's Kingdom. Joyce was a faithful and beloved spiritual sister that attended the Lakewood Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses for more than 40 years. During this time, she forged many lifelong friendships with members of the Lakewood Center, Clover Park, and Steilacoom congregations. Certainly, she was a valued sister in her local congregation and recognized as a special friend that was often available to offer support, encouragement, and a listening ear to members of her spiritual family. Additionally, Joyce's spiritual family embraces almost 7 million of Jehovah's Witnesses that span the globe, united in the unbreakable bond of Christ-like love and worldwide unity. The true definition of success is: "To know that ONE life has breathed easier because YOU have lived." Truly, many lives have breathed easier and many lives have been enhanced because of Joyce, including her family, friends, and countless other hearts - that she moved. Joyce Alene Scherz was one in a million, a wife, mother, friend, spiritual sister, and servant of Jehovah God that will be dearly missed and remembered forever. For more details: http://joyce scherz.legacy.com A "Celebration of Life" memorial for Joyce Alene Scherz will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2008, at 4 pm, at the Lakewood Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 6603 88th Ave (off Steilacoom Blvd and Meadow Rd SW), Lakewood, WA 98499.
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