Joyce Jean McKee

Joyce Jean Lancaster McKee February 19, 1935 - October 5, 2014

On a snowy wintry night February 1935, Joyce was born. She was the first daughter of S.O. and Katie Lancaster of Royce City, Texas. She was also the first grandchild of the Lancaster clan. She was a remarkable child who grew up in the depression. From the beginning she was taught about Jesus and to pray; reciting prayers at the tender age of 2. Her family moved to Dallas and found many good Christian friends in the local Colonial Baptist Church. Among loving relatives and friends, she blossomed into a talented beautiful young person. Her life put on a new dimension when she made Jesus the Lord of her life.

Joyce graduated from the old Forest Avenue High School and attended Hardin Simmons University in Abilene. In 1954 she married her childhood sweetheart, Reverend James McKee, and devoted her life to Christian ministry as a pastor's wife. She was talented in music playing both the piano and organ. She served the Lord in many ways, taught the Bible to children, young people, and adults throughout her life.

In the secular world of business she was a proficient executive secretary quickly earning the rapport of dignitaries from all around the state as well as congressional representatives. She never met a stranger. Although she was very proud of her work career, it did not define her. It gave her the opportunity to be a witness of God's love to prominent business leaders and lawmakers. She remained a prayer warrior in the office with many coworkers coming to her with their problems and burdens. When her office door was closed everyone knew that strong prayers were going heavenward.

Joyce was given the spiritual gift of giving. She knew the reality of what the Corinthians experienced such as "giving out of poverty". On one occasion she anonymously gave five pastor's wives money. She wanted to give openly without fanfare or praise.

Joyce loved God and His Son Jesus. When hearing her doctor report to her that she had less than two weeks to live she began asking family, medical professionals and anyone who came into her hospital room "Do you know Jesus?".

She was preceded in death by both her parents, S.O. and Katie Lancaster. She is survived by James, her husband of sixty short years; son Russell and Beth McKee of Mobile, Alabama; son David and Bebe McKee of Flower Mound, Texas; son Stephen and Gina McKee of Keller, Texas; daughter Jerusha and Steve Cole of Richardson, Texas; brother Kenneth and Myrna Lancaster of Irving, Texas; sister Donna and Kirk London of Tioga, Texas; Nine grandchildren; Four great-grandchildren; and many aunts and uncles.

Please embrace your favorite charity, American Heart Association, or Prestonwood Baptist Church by donating in Joyce's name. "Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul." Psalm 143:8

A memorial service will be Friday, October 10, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Prestonwood Baptist Church Prayer Suite 12123 Hillcrest Road Dallas, Texas 75230.