Joyce Marie Shahan

Joyce Marie Greene Shahan, 79, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on July 14, 2026.  She was born on September 20,1946, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Tillman Luther Greene and Mary Ella Westmoreland Greene.

After graduating from Kingsbury High School, Joyce attended Freed-Hardeman University. In 1968, she met the love of her life, Jim Shahan, at a singles fellowship at the Highland Street Church of Christ. They were married on September 20, 1968, beginning a 57-year partnership devoted to faith, love, and serving God together.

Joyce and Jim were blessed with four children: James Timothy Daniel, Melody Marie, Esther Suzette, and Sarah J. Elizabeth. Their ministry began in Strawberry, Arkansas, where Joyce embraced her roles as a minister's wife, Bible school teacher, and foster parent. In 1971, the family moved to Hong Kong as missionaries, serving there for eight years before returning to the United States. They later lived in Georgia and, in 1992, settled in Texas, returning briefly to China to teach English.

Joyce's greatest desire was to be a faithful Christian and to build a Christ-centered home where others could experience God's love. She faithfully served at First Colony Church of Christ for 31 years through the International Bible Class, Ladies' Bible Class, Mission Committee, Friendspeak, and many other ministries. She also served faithfully alongside Jim during his years as an elder.
Joyce quietly ministered to countless people through encouraging cards, heartfelt prayers, and home-cooked meals delivered to families celebrating new babies, recovering from illness, or experiencing loss. Her life reflected Christ's love through simple acts of kindness, hospitality, and compassionate service.

Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, Jim Shahan; her parents; and her newborn son, James Timothy Daniel.

She is survived by her daughters, Melody Weatherford (Philip), Esther Shahan, and Sarah Thompson; her five grandchildren, Sheldon Blake Shahan, Abigail Marie Weatherford, Ashley Ella Thompson, Noah Matthew Weatherford, and Stella Grace Thompson. Joyce is also survived by her brother-in-law Doug Given (Mary) and their children. Although Joyce was an only child, she shared a sister-like bond with her cousins, Mary Jo Roach, Peggy Sue Hillard, Betty Jones and Carolyn Collins, as well as with her lifelong best friend, Patsy Cooney, who was truly like a sister to her. 

Joyce's legacy is one of steadfast faith, humble service, generous hospitality, and unwavering love for God and others. Her family rejoices in the promise that she has heard the words she longed for all her life: "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Joyce Marie Greene Shahan
September 20, 1946- July 14, 2026

Funeral Service:
     First Colony Church of Christ
     2140 First Colony Blvd
     Sugar Land, Texas 77479

10am - Public visitation
11am-12pm - Funeral service
12pm-1pm - Commuting to burial site in Pearland
1pm - Burial service in Pearland (open to public)

For those who would like to honor Joyce in a special way, you are welcome to wear purple, her favorite color, to the funeral. 

For those of you that cannot attend the funeral service in person, an online stream link will be provided at     
firstcolonychurch.org

Burial Service:
     Houston Memorial Gardens
     2426 Cullen Blvd
     Pearland, Texas 77581

In lieu of flowers and to honor Joyce’s love for Missions, donations may be made to:
     First Colony Church of Christ, earmarked: Missions
     2140 First Colony Blvd
     Sugar Land, Texas 77479.
 

Thank you for visiting this memorial web page.  Please sign the online guest book to let the family know you were here thinking of them.