Joyce was born in 1926 at her childhood home in the quiet little farming town of Equality in central Alabama. She was reared by her affectionate parents, Mozelle and Grady Bryant, and as the youngest of four children was delighted to be called “Baby” by her beloved father. Along with sisters, Annie and Edie, and brother, Grady Jr., she attended Coosa County schools where she excelled in basketball, and graduated as Valedictorian of her high school class in 1944. She followed Grady to the University of Alabama, where she studied for two years. During that time, Annie introduced her to C. D. Mohr, who eventually became the love of Joyce’s life. Her college aspirations were put on hold while she pursued a lucrative job with IBM, but she continued to build her friendship with C. D. In time, they decided to marry and wed in 1950. Their family quickly began to blossom with the birth of son Doug the following year, and daughter Nancy, three years later. Dan, David and Darrell rounded out the family over the next eleven years.
Joyce’s life was devoted to her five children, but she soon found the demands of housekeeping so overwhelming that she needed a weekly reprieve. What was thought to be part-time help, turned out to be a friendship for a lifetime. Tillie May Young began working for Joyce in the spring of 1966 and has been a faithful assistant, confidant and trusted companion for over fifty years. Tillie also had an enduring influence on all the Mohr children, helping to nurture and inspire them with her good humor, devotion to duty, and profound faith. She was Joyce’s dearest and most loyal friend.
Having raised all her children to school age, Joyce went back to school herself in 1972, this time as the Librarian for Regina Howell Elementary School. She worked there, and at several other schools in Beaumont, before finally retiring with twenty years of dedicated service. In addition to working for an entire career beginning at age 45, she was more importantly a mentor and exemplar to countless children, who openly honored her contributions with their love and adoration.
During the past twenty-five years of her remarkable life, Joyce has shown uncommon devotion to her family, friends and faith. With the help of her sister, Edith, she spent a decade caring for her invalid mother, while also tending to her oldest sister, Louise. She volunteered countless hours at Trinity United Methodist Church, and reflected Christ’s love daily while nurturing friendships, and caring for the sick, lonely and infirm.
For a place to get away, Joyce always preferred the beach and was extremely fond of its ocean breezes and peaceful scenes. Many happy summer days were spent along Crystal Beach and Galveston with her friends and family.
Joyce became a grandmother for the first time in 1978, and ultimately had nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. She absolutely adored each new addition, and blessed them with her charm and grace. Her presence in their lives will be sorely missed, but fondly remembered.
In her final year, Joyce was lovingly attended to by the staff of Family Matters and Compassion Hospice. Special thanks are genially extended to her host of caregivers: Jennifer Doucet, Bessie Coleman, Danielle Young, Sherry Perkins, Veronica Means, Jami Richard, Elaine Steven and Natalie McMahon.
She is survived by her husband, Clement Douglas Mohr; daughter, Nancy Mohr Richardson and her husband, Stone; sons, Dan Mohr and his wife, Rhonda; David Mohr and his wife, Rebecca; and Darrell Mohr and his wife, Beth; grandchildren, Tommy Richardson and his wife, Jennifer; Matt Mohr and his wife, Kandis; Cody Mohr; Meredith Mohr; Kate Pinkston and her husband, Michael; Joseph Mohr; Sarah Mohr; Rachel Mohr; and Hannah Mohr; great-grandchildren, Gabriel Richardson and Alexandra Richardson; sister, Edith “Edie” Waterman and her husband, Bernie; and best friend, Tillie Mae Young.
Joyce is preceded in death by her parents; son, Doug Mohr; sister, Annie Louise Thomas; and brother, William Grady Bryant, Jr.
A gathering of Mrs. Mohr’s family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Monday, April 10, 2017, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 11, 2017, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3430 Harrison Avenue, Beaumont with her interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.
Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 5247, Beaumont, Texas 77704.
