Joyce Irene Frady Shepherd Garren, of Clinton, SC, peacefully passed away at home on April 6, 2024 at the age of 92.
Joyce was born December 14, 1931, in Goldville, SC (now Joanna) and was the daughter of the late Furman W. Frady and Pearl Sessoms Frady. Joyce graduated from Clinton High School in 1949 and Columbia Business College in 1951 with an associate degree in business and accounting. She spent many years working for Lawson Furniture Company in Joanna as their Head Bookkeeper. She also worked for 30 years as the Bookkeeper for the Joanna Fire Department. Joyce was of the Baptist faith.
She enjoyed gardening, playing the piano, traveling with family, and visiting family. She also loved writing poems for her family for special occasions and holiday messages. After retiring, Joyce especially enjoyed going on cruises as well as being at home doing crossword puzzles and watching the Golden Girls.
Joyce is survived by her son Michael W. Shepherd and his wife Karen of Middletown, RI; her daughter Deborah S. DeTroia and her husband Richard of the home; her grandchildren Dale A. Shepherd (Jennifer) of Phoenix, AZ, Rebecca S. Wakefield (Ian) of Middletown, RI, and Adam M. Shepherd (Allan Wernik) of Portsmouth, RI; her great grandson Nicholas A. Shepherd of Bonney Lake, WA. Joyce is also survived by her nephew George W. Frady, Jr. and nieces Kathy Long (Carroll), Lynn Mims (Parker), Dottie Edwards (Joel), and Barbara Nelson (Vernon); her sister-in-laws Martha Hall (Dave) and Freida Shepherd. In addition, she is survived by her stepdaughter Patricia A. Keefe (William) and step-grandchildren Lee Eunice (Tina), Dee Dee Harper, and Jessie Clyburn (Robert) all residing in the Columbia, SC area; numerous other beloved family members belonging to her extended and blended family. She also will be missed by the family dog, Jax.
Joyce was predeceased by her parents; infant son Robert Larry Shepherd; brother George W. Frady, Sr. and sister-in-law Barbara A. Frady; former husband Francis G. Shepherd, Jr.; second husband Ernest T. Garren, Jr.; stepmother Lucille M. Frady; step siblings F. Keith McGee, Jolene M. Holmgreen, and J. Phillip McGee; her brother-in-laws Laurence C. Shepherd and Robert S. Shepherd; sister-in law Ellen Shepherd. She was the last member of her immediate family.
Graveside Services will be held Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Rosemont Cemetery, Clinton, SC with Chaplin James Nix officiating. The family will greet those in attendance immediately following the service.
The family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation for the care provided by VIA Hospice (Hospice of Laurens County) especially Sondrea and Kerri.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to VIA Hospice, formerly Hospice of Laurens County, PO Box 178, Clinton, SC 29325.
Gray Funeral Home of Clinton is assisting Garren family with arrangements.