She was born in Columbus, Texas on August 16, 1926, the only daughter of the late Morris Carl Naumann, Jr. and Mary Katherine (Becica) Naumann. She was preceded in death by her husband Otto Herman Loessin, a son, Stephen Craig Loessin, and brothers Leroy Melvin Naumann and John Morris “Motze” Naumann.

She is survived by her son, Jon Loessin (and wife Deborah) of New Braunfels, four grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren.

Joyce (known as “Sissy” to many family members) received a teaching degree at Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University) and began her storied teaching career in south Texas in Harlingen. After returning to the local area, she was an elementary school teacher in Eagle Lake, where she met Otto, her future husband of 66 years (married in 1950). For the following 36 years, she taught at Columbus Elementary School, dedicating her career toward countless students, many who still recall her classroom that produced not just learning, but many stories and fond memories that persist to this day among those whose lives she touched. After her retirement, she enjoyed family get-togethers, cooking and canning, playing dominoes, reading, Astros baseball, volunteering with the Columbus Hospital Auxiliary, attending meetings of the Colorado County Historical Commission and the Colorado County Retired Teachers Association.

Visitation took place at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus on Friday evening, October 11, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and a graveside service was held on Saturday morning, October 12, 2024, at 10:00 AM at St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery in Columbus with Rev. Walter Glasscock officiating.

Memorials may be given to The Columbus Community Hospital Ladies Auxiliary, 110 Shult Dr., Columbus, TX 78934, The Colorado County Retired Teachers Association, 110 N River Dr., Columbus, TX 78934, or to a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome. com.