Joyce Marie Rowse of Ennis, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at her home.

Joyce was born to Robert Lee Shook and Jimmie Brown Shook in Ennis, Texas on April 10, 1943. Joyce attended school in Ennis and was an honor graduate of Ennis High School in 1961.

On June 17, 1961, she married Paul Lawrence Rowse. They made their home in Dallas before moving to Ennis in 1974. As a teenager Joyce made the most important decision of her life when she surrendered her life to Jesus. Her life revolved around Him. Prior to her extended illness, which kept her from attending, she was an active member of First Baptist Church Dallas.

She considered being a wife and a mother as her primary calling and she excelled in this role. She also excelled in the role of "Grandmom / Grandmommy" to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a secretary / bookkeeper for Ables Buildings and Sheet Metal in Ennis for 47 years before her retirement in 2022. She also earned her RN degree in 1995. She began her nursing career at Baylor Hospital in Waxahachie. She later was a crisis care nurse for Vitas Hospice before joining the staff at Ennis Care Center.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Paul, of 47 years, sister Mary Renfrow and brother Bobby Shook.

Those left to celebrate her life are her daughter Kim Rowe (husband Phillip) and her son Monte Rowse (wife Renee'). Grandchildren Bethany Wesley, David Rowe (wife Hanna), Anna Claire Rowse, Karrigan Rowse, Chloe Rowse, Kensley Rowse and Preston Rowse. Great grandchildren Ryland, Bennett, Pierson, and Arden Wesley, and she was joyfully anticipating the soon arrival of baby Hazel Rowe. She also leaves numerous nephews, nieces, friends and her sister, Lou Caddell.

The family wants to express deep gratitude to her primary care physician, Dr. Anita Khetan, along with Dr. Nelson, Denise and Tabitha of Vitas Hospice.

Visitation will be held Monday, June 2, 2025 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the Keever Chapel.

A Celebration of Joyce's Life will be held Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 10 a.m. in the Keever Chapel.  Interment will follow in Myrtle Cemetery under the direction of J. E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.

Submitted by family