Joyce Marie Jordan Birdwell, 88, passed away on August 13, 2019 in Moore, Oklahoma. She was born April 5, 1931 in Corrigan, Texas and was a longtime resident of Silsbee, Texas. She married Rayford Randolph Birdwell in 1950. As young newlyweds, Joyce and Rayford moved to Silsbee where they were active members of the community. They owned Birdwell's Department Store and The Bird House. Joyce was active in many organizations in their community including the PTA, Band Boosters, Drill Team Boosters, United Methodist Women, First United Methodist Church, Silsbee Book Club, and The Christian Care Center as well as several Bridge Clubs. She was an avid bridge player and enjoyed the socialization afforded by the game. In 1984, when diagnosed with breast cancer, Joyce began a relationship with Reach to Recovery of the American Cancer Society that would include active partner, mentor, organizer and trainer. It was a cause which was close to her heart for the remainder of her life.

Joyce is survived by two daughters, Sabrina B. Diehl and husband, Jim and Leslie B. Pursley and husband, Bart; grandchildren, Martha D. Ribeiro, Jordan M. Diehl, and Aaron R. Diehl; great-grandchildren Gabriela Ribeiro, Aiden Burd, Tyler Diehl, Hunter Diehl, and Steve Diehl; brother, "Preacher" Louis Jordan; sisters,  Judy Watts and Linda Coulter;  nephews, Vance Payne, Bruce Jordan, Oliver Watts, and James Hill; and nieces, Celeste Salafia, Mitzi Beetham, Piper Collins, Jessica Hill, and Kristie Gilbert; along with numerous other relatives and friends.

A private family burial will be held in the Center Grove Cemetery in Livingston, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joyce's name to The Hardin County Christian Care Center, 415 W Avenue P, Silsbee, Texas 77656 or to the American Cancer Society
P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.