Joyce's Family Picture

This is a Christmas picture of Joyce and her family. A treasure.

Courage

Do not be afraid of tomorrow; for God is already there. Author Unknown

One must not forget that recovery is brought about not by the physician, but by the sick man himself. He heals himself, by his own power, exactly as he walks by means of his own power, or eats, or thinks, breathes or sleeps. Georg Groddeck, The Book of the It, 1923

It's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years. Abraham Lincoln

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright, quoted in Reader's Digest, June 1995

Become a possibilitarian. No matter how dark things seem to be or actually are, raise your sights and see possibilities - always see them, for they're always there. Norman Vincent Peale

Courage is being afraid but going on anyhow. Dan Rather

When you treat a disease, first treat the mind. Chen Jen

Every evening I turn my worries over to God. He's going to be up all night anyway. Mary C. Crowley
If children have the ability to ignore all odds and percentages, then maybe we can all learn from them. When you think about it, what other choice is there but to hope? We have two options, medically and emotionally: give up, or fight like hell. Lance Armstrong

Condolences Sent to Joyce's Family

Mom, I will miss you deeply. The presence of your spirit is with every one left behind. Peace and Blessings. John Ameser

Joyce will be deeply missed by all her friends at the Grand Reserve Seniors Community where we were blessed to have her as one of our "family" for the past few years. Beverly Mason & Shandra Jones Grand Reserve Seniors Staff

I remember a lively Thanksgiving dinner in Dallas where we all told hilarious stories and had a great time long into the night. I knew Joyce for a long time, and she was very nice to us. She battled long and hard, she will be greatly missed. Lisa Smith and Johnny Boggs

Joyce was such a Gem! I had only known Joyce for a few months, but was so impressed by her courageous manner.I am proud to say that I belong to the dedicated women of the Joyce's Chemo Caps and will continue this legacy in honour of your lovely mother. She will be sadly missed. Sincerely Jerri Nix

I met Joyce a few years ago when we went to the museums with the Allen Senior Center. I liked her immediately. Since then, I have grown to love her as a dear friend. Little did I know when I met her,how our lives would be linked together. Because of Joyce and her concern for others, we started Joyce's Chemo Caps. I know that God brought us together for that purpose. Her name and her legacy will carry on. Many in the future will be touched by Joyce's love and care. She was a sweet, beautiful lady and we all loved her and still do. My condolences to the family. You are all a part of Joyce's Chemo Cap Project! Jan Goble

I had the great pleasure of spending a few Thanksgivings and Christmases with Joyce. I feel blessed to have known her. Joyce will be greatly missed.
Jerry Secondine

You will be greatly missed by all who had the privelege of knowing you. Rest in peace as you certainly deserve it.
Dale E. LeBeau

Aunt Joyce will be missed. I can recall many stories that my Mother, Muriel, talked about when her and Aunt Joyce grew up. I was in Dallas a few years ago and remember having a great time visiting her and my cousins. She was always very thoughtful. I have three children, Griffin, Serena, and Ryley; she never forgot to send them a card for their birthday. My family sends sympathy to my cousins and their families during this difficult time. Joe Bethle

Joyce Elaine Schmitt February 26, 1933- November 4, 2008

Joyce Elaine Schmitt, age 75, of McKinney, Texas passed away on November 4, 2008. She was born on February 26, 1933, in New Castle, Pennsylvania to Clarence Earl Kennedy and Betty Johnson Kennedy. She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.

She is survived by her sons, John Ameser and life partner Michael Magnia of Plano, Texas; Bill Ameser and life partner Scott Turnbull of Fairview, Texas; daughter, Tracie Burton, husband Tom Burton and grandson Zack Burton of Canton, Michigan; sister, Muriel Bethle of New Castle, Pennsylvania and a host of other family and friends.


In August 2007 after losing her hair for a second time to chemotherapy, Joyce felt uncomfortable wearing the chemo caps with thick seams that irritated her scalp and did little to satisfy her sense of style.  So Joyce and three of her devoted friends from the Allen Senior Center -- Jan Goble, Lena Louter and Vivian Denbow -- founded Joyce’s Chemo Cap Project. Using a seamless pattern and with the softest yarn in hand, this small group of ladies so inspired others that groups in five additional states and London, England have begun Joyce’s Chemo Cap Projects. To date they have made over 3,500 caps, all of which are donated free of charge to various hospitals and cancer treatment centers to give to cancer patients who want them.

Joyce tackled her cancer diagnosis with a strength and grace that inspired her family and friends. She loved to travel, loved adventure, but more than anything else, she loved her family.

We will truly miss her.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Joyce’s Chemo Cap Project, 1206 Thoreau Lane, Allen, Texas 75002 and visit www.joyceschemocaps.blogspot.com; or to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, November 8, 2008 in the Chapel at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, with Dan Peeler officiating.

To convey condolences or to sign an online registry, please visit www.tjmfuneral.com.

Update on Joyce

Joyce has been staying at Bill's house since she was released from the hospital. She was in the hospital for only a few days. She's undergoing treatment now and is in good spirits. Thank you for those who sent cards to her. She was happy to receive them.