Joyce Marie Welch Dowling Rice, 93, of Orange, TX and later DeQuincy, LA transitioned into heavenly paradise on January 4, 2026, in Kingwood, TX.
Joyce was born in New Salem, TX on October 12, 1932. She was married to C.L. “Larry” Dowling for 40 years (1949-1989) living in Orange, TX (Echo). After Larry’s passing, she married A.J. Rice (1993-2014) in DeQuincy, LA until his passing. She graduated from Starks High School at the age of 16 and acquired an associate’s degree in Technical Accounting from Lamar University in 1987. She spent her 50-year working career at Franklin’s Dress Shop, Livingston Shipbuilding and Inland/International Paper – all in Orange, TX.
Survivors include:
Daughter: Clairice Dowling Ellisor (Glenn) of Kingwood, TX
Son: Teddy Dowling (Jeanne) of DeQuincy, LA
Daughter-In-Law: Kathy Dowling of Jasper, TX
Son-In-Law: Chuck Davis (Christy) of Orange, TX
Grandchildren:
Gary Lee Dowling, Jr. of San Antonio, TX
Kristen Ellisor Sheldon (Kyle) of Kingwood, TX
Wade Ellisor (Ryley) of Kingwood, TX
Erin Ellisor Toungate (John) of Houston, TX
Jessica Dowling Parmenter of Beaumont, TX
Jenna Dowling McGallion (Lance) of Beaumont, TX
Brianna Davis Theal (Taylor) of Orange, TX
Megan Fogarty of Kingwood, TX
Great Grandchildren:
Kensington and Knox Sheldon
Ace and Allie Parmenter
Leo, Jay and Fin McGallion
Jackson Ellisor
Walker Toungate
Sophia and Wyatt Fogarty; Dylan and Carter Tillotson
Numerous Nieces and Nephews.
Predeceased Family:
Ottie Mae Nichols Welch Stewart – Mother (April 6, 1998)
Weaver “Slim” Welch – Father (May 25, 1983)
Jack Paul Welch – Brother (August 20, 1986)
Tommy Roy “Pete” Welch – Brother (November 12, 2021)
Lana Kaye Davis – Daughter (March 21, 2010)
Gary Lee Dowling, Sr. – Son (January 17, 2024)
Graveside memorial service will be on Saturday, January 10 at 11:00am, Trout Creek Cemetery, Call, TX with a “picnic” fellowship luncheon following, under the pavilion.
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