Pauline Joyce Gerica Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Pauline Joyce Gerica was born on the 27th of February, 1939, in Houston, Texas, to Pauline Gladys Floyd and Melvin Wesley Jenkins. Joyce passed peacefully from this life to the next on June 22, 2022. Joyce came into the world early and overcame many obstacles to take hold of life such as being sent home as a very premature infant to be incubated in a dresser drawer. Her childhood memories included a turbulent home, but also a very loving "little grandma" who planted the seeds of goodness and faith that took root in her life as it unfolded. As a young adult Joyce met the love of her life Joseph Gerica, a young Marine who while in his last year of the service, began to write to her. Although they had only met once at a family event with friends. Joe carried the photo that she had sent to him in his wallet all the days of his life from that day on. They began dating as soon as he was honorably discharged and returned home. One month after Joe's discharge, he received his "mustering out" pay which he used to buy Joyce a ring. They were married six months later and it became a marriage that was not only able to endure the many growing pains and storms of life, but blossomed into an extraordinary bond that was evident and inspiring to all those around them in their final years together. Throughout her life Joyce shared her many talents with those that she loved. Her children and grandchildren, and a few great-grandchildren have fond memories of her penchant for storytelling, singing, and drawing. Her love of Galveston and Garner State Park led to many adventures and shared memories. Being a child-like soul herself, her grandchildren could ask her for anything and she was all too happy to join into experiences such as roller-coaster rides, horror movie nights, and generally any sleepover that involved junk food and big fluffy pallets on the floor. She always delivered the latest Disney movie and spent half of each year planning the perfect gifts for each family member's Christmas utilizing every layaway in town. Easter egg hunts were also a treasured family event and there was no happier Easter bunny than Joyce. Joyce's giant heart always led her towards children. She was a treasured community member of Lilja Road Baptist Church for over 40 years and ran the nursery with a degree of delight that was unique and special to her. Joyce developed life-long bonds with many people from her church community and is remembered fondly by children and grandchildren of other founding members. Joyce became a devoted and loving Grandmother in 1980, and the number of grandchildren eventually grew to an even dozen. Another generation began to grow with the birth of the first great-grandchild in 2007 and has rapidly increased to the 22 great-grandchildren of today. Joyce always loved children and even in her altered state of late dementia, she would delight in a visit from any great-grandchild, especially when the visit happened to involve silly songs, reading a child's book together or small gifts. One great-grandchild recalls bringing her a dragonfly necklace and her great sparkle of delight as she held it close. The last year of her life Joyce's tether to the earth was weakened by the passing of her dear husband. Many faculties were lost and there were difficult and sad moments. However, even then her sweet spirit remained. She told every caregiver in her nursing center that she loved them and really meant it, she would come alive when visitors would play or sing her favorite songs, and always relaxed and enjoyed having her head rubbed by a loving hand. Joyce will forever be remembered for her great love, faith, joy, and child-like spirit. Joyce was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years Joseph Mickle Gerica, her mother Pauline Gladys Floyd and her Father Melvin Wesley Jenkins, as well as her sister Sally Jenkins Reed. She is survived by her daughter Ginger Jackson and husband Paul; son Michael Gerica and wife Robin; daughter Joy Gerica Staib; son Joseph Allen Gerica and wife Patty; grandson Ryan Jackson (Heather); granddaughter Vanessa Jackson Williams (Curtis); grandson Caleb Jackson; grandson Joshua Jackson (Lauren); granddaughter Grace Jackson Huff (Nathan); grandson Jonathan; granddaughter Bethany Jackson Brookins (Josh); granddaughter Brittney Gerica Gast (Terry); grandson Micheal Gerica (Mindy); granddaughter Kellie Gerica Coburn (Mike); granddaughter Kasey Gerica Wagner (John); grandson Cody Gerica (Alexis); and 22 great-grandchildren. Visitation with the family is scheduled for Monday, June27th 9AM in the chapel at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Willis, Texas. Funeral Service will be held immediately afterward at 10AM.

Pauline Joyce Gerica

February 27, 1939 - June 22, 2022