Joyce Goodman Sherrouse

Homemaker - 83

Mrs. Joyce Goodman Sherrouse died Saturday, December 15, 2007 of heart failure. She is survived by her sons, Gerald and Kenneth, Lakeland; son, Dayton, Augusta, GA; daughter, Lois Murphy, Lakeland; daughters-in law, Beckie, Laura, and Lisa; son-in-law, Lamarr Murphy; 7 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Mrs. Sherrouse was preceded in death by her husband, Dalton Luther Sherrouse, and her parents, Viola & Bihue Goodman. Mrs. Sherrouse was the last remaining sibling of 11 children, having been preceded in death by sisters; Dollie Tillman, Eunice West, Margaret Waters, Gladys Mixson, Lucille Bragg, Miriam Goodman, Alice Goodman, and brothers; Leslie, Everett, and Willis.

Mrs. Sherrouse was born and raised in Polk County as were her parents. She had been an active member of Bethel Baptist Church since 1948. Her strong faith and the love and care of family sustained her throughout life. She devoted her life to making a home for her family and working alongside her beloved husband, Dalton, in their farming and cattle ranching business. At the time of his death in January 2007, they had been married almost 67 years.

For many years, Mrs. Sherrouse, along with her husband, volunteered at local precincts for the Polk County Elections Office, and she was always very involved in her community and with helping others in a variety of ways. She enjoyed fishing and singing, especially with her sister, Gladys, as well as attending family reunions. She was quite accomplished at crocheting and sewing and made many works of art over the years. She was known throughout the Socrum community for her cooking skills and, as with many southern women, she equated good food and plenty of it with hospitality, comfort, and friendship. Her life was one of duty and devotion to her husband, family, friends, and God.

The family wishes to acknowledge the efforts and kindness of numerous caregivers over the past several years. Additionally, the care and concern provided by Good Shepherd Hospice is greatly appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Bethel Baptist Church Building Fund, 3125 West Socrum Loop Road, Lakeland, FL 33810

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 18 at Gentry Morrison Northside Chapel with services at Bethel Baptist Church, Lakeland on Wednesday, December 19 at 11:00 a.m. Interment at Socrum Cemetery.