Joyce Gertrude Cereceres was born on Friday, August 18, 1961 in Corpus Christi, Texas to Samuel J. Carpenter and Helen Dorothy Bertram Carpenter. Joyce was called home to our Lord to rest eternally, on Friday December 1, 2023.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents Sam and Helen Carpenter, her paternal grandparents, John and Anita Carpenter, her maternal grandparents, William and Maria Bertram, her loving sisters Annie Daisy Carpenter Mainero (Bobby) and Cynthia Marie Carpenter Rodriguez, and her loving nephew Michael Rene Rosas Jr. Joyce is survived by her children, Nicholas Cereceres and Stacy Cereceres, her two grandchildren, Sabrina Cereceres and Austin Thomas, her brother Sam Carpenter (Gloria), her sisters Mary Jean Peña (Martin) and JoAnn Horn (Fred), and numerous nieces and nephews who adored their Aunt Joyce. Joyce is also survived by her loving husband of 33 years, Antonio (Tony) Cereceres, her best friend and cat, Cheeto, and her two grand-kitties, Magic and Gracie.

Joyce was a lifelong resident of Corpus Christi, Texas. She graduated from Moody High School in 1979. She also attended Del Mar College where she earned an Associate's Degree as a Paralegal, while working part-time at the Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD) as a student-aid. After graduation from Del Mar, she began her career working for attorney Cecil Burney.  Later she went to work at the Corpus Christi Army Depot in the Directorate of Quality where she retired after 32 years of service. She was awarded the Commander's Award for Civilian Service for exemplary dedication to CCAD and the Department of Army.

Joyce made friends everywhere she went, both young and old, and there wasn't a single person that crossed her path that she did not make an impression on. Joyce was a down-to-earth, tough as nails, loving, giving, and gracious woman. She gave of herself to everyone from a listening ear, guiding advice, moral support, comic relief, a shoulder to cry on, and everything in between. Joyce loved watching Fighting Texas Aggie Football, the Dallas Cowboys, and of course her Bravo shows. She also loved playing games and making every holiday, birthday, and event special for everyone. After retirement, she found a love for crafting and made beautiful, thoughtful, and creative gifts, cups, and decorations for all of her friends and family to enjoy. Most importantly and above all, she loved her family, she was the strong foundation and the glue that held us all together.

Joyce's beautiful smile, witty humor, and everlasting love will leave a lasting impression on each and every one of our hearts and souls. As she would say, "I'm just a squirrel trying to get a nut." She will be missed by everyone, and will be loved and remembered forever and always!

"Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again."

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 19th at Guardian Funeral Home from 4-8pm with the Holy Rosary to be recited at 6:30pm . A Memorial Mass will be held on Wednesday, December 20th at SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church at 11:30am and Inurnment will follow at 1pm at Rose Hill Memorial Park.