Joyce Traxler 75, of St. Louis, Missouri on February 11, 2023 passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord Jesus with her family at her side after a year’s battle with cancer.
Joyce was born on February 19, 1947 in Chicago, IL to Jim and Patricia (Heitz) Coyle. Joyce’s family moved to Boca Raton, FL in 1958 where Joyce continued her education and earned her associates degree in music from Palm Beach Junior College. Joyce and Doug met while in high school choir and married 4 years later (1967). They spent their first married year in Tallahassee, FL while Doug completed his bachelor degree at Florida State University. Their next 19 years were enjoyed raising a family in Boca Raton and reaching children and families for Jesus Christ through their local church’s Sunday School, weekly youth groups, VBS, and summer camps. In 1987, Joyce and Doug moved the family to St. Louis to be involved in the ministry of Southside Bible Chapel, Victory Christian School, and Turkey Hill Ranch Bible Camp in Freeburg, MO.
Joyce developed many great and lasting friendships while working with others and being part of ministry. Everyone knew that one of her greatest joys was taking care of children, all children…her own 3 girls, children of family, extended and church families, neighbor children, and of course most recently her beloved grandchildren. Joyce was truly a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” Proverbs 31:28
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents Jim and Pat Coyle. She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Doug; their daughters Sharon (John) Stimpson, Heather (Michael) Kriemelman, Sarah (Lance) Leonard; grandchildren: Taylor, TJ, Mathew, Asher, Faith, Connor, Audra, and Kennedy; sisters Karen (Steve) Allan and Pamela (Jeffrey) Dolson; as well as beloved aunts, uncle, cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Family and friends of Joyce are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Service on Sunday, February 19, 2023 at Southside Bible Chapel (in Gateway House of Prayer), 4646 S Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63127 at 4:00pm, with visitation from 2:00pm-4:00pm.
A service for family will be held on Thursday, February 16, 2023 immediately followed by interment at Sunset Memorial Park, 10180 Gravois Rd, Affton, MO 63123
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to “Turkey Hill Ranch Bible Camp”. https://turkeyhillranch.com/about-us/
My dear Traxler family, Joyce was more than a friend, she was a sister. I’m really going to miss her. I know this will make a great change in your family but so thankful you all trust the One who changes not. Will be holding up in prayer knowing His arms are around you. Love you all. Connie F.
Praying for you all.
Love you all very much
So sorry for your loss
“I Can Only Imagine”, great song. Joyce has a new song as she sees face to face.
Praying for the God of all comfort to hold the family close and all of us who love her. Letting go of the best is the hardest. Jesus is happy to see her.
Sharon, I am sad to hear of your mother’s passing and I share your pain having lost my mother to cancer as well. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers and rejoice that your mom is not suffering anymore and resting in peace in the Lord’s kingdom. You can be so proud of her for the full life she lived while reaching and helping so many, and I know this can be also a source of contentment as you and your family go through this. May our Savior Jesus Christ surround you with His love.
All our love on this 2023 Valentines Day to those Joyce loved! We are praying for your earthly loss and hearts that grieve her sweet presence! She was a true friend, always wanting the Lords best in others. Steady, caring, and serving are words that come to mind to describe her. “When we all see Jesus……We’ll sing and SHOUT the victory!”
I am so thankful to have known Joyce and to have experienced her knowledge of and love for the Lord. Her memory lives on through her family, and their love for the Lord is also evidenced in the way they live for Him and serve others. I will be praying for you as you travel through the rest of your lives looking for ways to pass her legacy on to others.
Aunt Joyce holds an extra special place in the hearts of our family. As far back as I can remember, the Traxlers and Wainwrights have had such a special bond that we sometimes forget our family ties are through Jesus rather than ancestry. We admire and thank the Lord for the lasting friendship my parents have shared with Uncle Doug and Aunt Joyce since their newlywed years. Oh the stories we have heard and silly pictures shared that captured fun moments and adventures together over the years. Of course the fun couldn’t stop there… two additional generations also value lasting friendships with one another in spite of the miles between St. Louis and South Florida.
How grateful we are for the memories made together over the years. And no gathering was complete without the welcome gift of Aunt Joyce’s homemade fudge sauce for our spectacular sundaes! Aunt Joyce’s unmistakable laugh, beautiful gift of song, encouraging words, helpful spirit, and genuine love for the Lord and all those around her will be forever remembered and cherished. These faithful qualities extend into the lives of her children and grandchildren as a powerful godly heritage that lives on and on. Our days here, as we anticipate a great reunion in our heavenly home, will not be the same without her joyful smile. We trust in the Lord’s continued peace, provision, and loving care over Uncle Doug, Sharon, Heather, Sarah and precious families. Our love and prayers are with you all.♥️
Oh. Oh. My. Dear ones. Sadness for you all. Thankfully, the Lord is near.
We have had a loss this week in ou family… Phil’s 12 year old niece. We copy this from others Wonderful words: And on that day when my strength is failing,
The end draws near and my time has come,
Still my soul will sing your praise unending.
Ten thousand years and forever more!
Bless the LORD, oh my soul!
We are so sorry for your loss. Our deepest condolences. Praying for you all.
Dear Traxker family, My heart is broken for all of you. I was hoping Joyce would be healed on this side of heaven as I know that was your hope as well. God’s plan was to have her with Him in heaven. That doesn’t make the pain of loss less painful but I know you are happy for her but very sad for all of you. I’m praying for God‘s comfort and peace over all your lives at this time and for years to come.
Doug, I was shocked to learn that Joyce passed. She was a very special person in my life. We had great times together especially in choir. I admire your family as pictured on Facebook. What a lovely group.