Joyce Elaine Shillings, 89, who was affectionately called “Sue” by those who knew and loved her in Louisiana, found peace on February 12, 2026, following a determined battle with Alzheimer’s disease. With hearts full of love, we honor the remarkable journey of Joyce, born September 13, 1936.
Her professional path led her to Crown Zellerbach in Orange, Texas, where she dedicated years to Human Resources. Joyce’s strong work ethic, unwavering integrity, and genuine compassion made her not just a valued colleague but a beloved friend. She built lasting relationships and left a meaningful impact on everyone she encountered, always offering a listening ear and a helping hand.
Faith was the foundation of Joyce’s life. As a devoted member of the First Pentecostal Church of Starks, she poured her heart into service- preparing meals, organizing events, and creating spaces of fellowship and joy. In her later years, she attended The Pentecostal Church of DeQuincy, where her kindness and love for Christ drew new friends and inspired excellence and service. Her generosity and warm spirit blessed countless lives, and her commitment to her church community was a source of inspiration.
Joyce especially loved to cook. Her kitchen was a sanctuary of comfort, laughter, and togetherness. Whether preparing meals for her family, large church gatherings, or friends in need, she poured love into every dish. Her treasured recipes and traditions will continue to live on through those she cherished, bringing comfort and joy for generations.
She found beauty in every detail, filling her home with her favorite colors- peach and ivory and sharing that beauty with all who visited. Her daughter, Dreama Sheryl, was her professional hair stylist and caregiver for her last two years at home. Among the many loving relationships in Joyce’s life, the bond she shared with her son, Joseph Edward “Bubby” Broussard, Jr., was especially dear. Bubby affectionately called his mother “Dear Hearty,” a name that perfectly captured her loving, generous spirit, and the warmth she brought to everyone around her. This special nickname is a testament to the deep affection and cherished memories they created together.
Joyce’s legacy lives on in her loving family: her devoted daughter, Dreama Sheryl Sullivan; granddaughter, Joya Rose Sullivan; stepsons, James Byron Shillings (Veronica), and John Allen Shillings (Jennifer), and their children, Ace, Trevor, Brooke, and Mikayla; nephews, Neil Johnson, Lee Johnson (Teena), Mike Johnson (Terra), Robert T. Johnson (Sonya), and Mark Ellis (Crystal); and numerous extended family and friends.
She is reunited in peace with her parents, Murphy and Vera Johnson; her brothers, Murphy Ray Johnson (Dottie) and Robert Johnson; her beloved husband, Charles Reese Shillings; and her son, Joseph Edward “Bubby” Broussard, Jr.
Family and friends are invited to gather in celebration of Joyce’s life on Friday, February 20, 2026, at First Pentecostal Church of Starks, 225 LA 109, Starks, Louisiana. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by a service at 1:00 p.m., officiated by Rev. Tim Sullivan and Rev. Karl Smith. Joyce will be laid to rest at Doyle Cemetery, Starks, Louisiana, beside her beloved son, “Bubby.”
Dreama Sheryl and Joya Rose extend heartfelt gratitude to Gentiva Hospice for their compassionate care and a special thank you to Sharon Walters, Lauren Campbell, and Chris Jones for their exceptional kindness during Joyce’s final journey.
Joyce- beloved mother, “Dear Hearty,” “Grandy,” and friend- leaves a legacy of love, faith, and service that will forever be cherished by all who were blessed to know her.
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