Merrily she lives and laughs and loves

Joyce’s classmates wrote this in her 1939 Waco High School yearbook. To anyone that knew and loved her, this was still Joyce Heckmann until the very end.

Joyce was born on December 22, 1922, in Waco, Texas to Emma Bertha Nelson & Ener Nelson and grew up at 22nd and Bosque Avenue in Waco. After graduating Waco High School, she attended 4-C College for secretarial training. In November 1942, Joyce met Fred, a handsome private from New Yorkwhile he had recently arrived in Waco for his new assignment at the Waco Army Air Base. Joyce married the love of her life Fred, on September 17, 1943, at First Lutheran Church Waco. After Fred completed his tour as a navigator in the Army, theytook a leap and started A-1 Waco Rental in November 1947, at N.25th street and Gorman Avenue. While not always easy, they successfully grew the business for 50+ years and added an additional location, until they sold it in 1999 due toFred`s failing health.

Joyce and Fred remained actively involved in church functions and both played pivotal roles in the growthand sustainment of First Lutheran Church Waco. Joyce enjoyed sewing, traveling, computing, bridge and dominoes, cooking and much more. In the latter years, board games and puzzles took up much of her time. Together, she and Fred also started the initial fundraising campaign for the Heckmann Assisted Living Building at Lutheran Sunset Ministries inClifton, TX.

Anyone that knew Joyce knew her smiles and laughter that would light up a room. Joyce also lived a life characterized by a true servant’s heart, always putting the needs of others before her own serving the Lord, her family, her friends, and the community she loved. Her latest love and callingwas Mission Waco/Mission World where she oversaw calling volunteers for mailouts and various other activities where she donated much of her time.

Joyce is preceded in death by her husband Fred Heckmann, all her brothers and sisters, and great-granddaughter Kimber Quinn.

Joyce is survived by her two children, daughter, Kathi Heckmann Quinn and friend Brett Schmalriede of Crawford, son Paul Heckmann of Dallas, grandson James Quinn, wife Ashley and great-grandson Cooper Quinn of Crawford.

Visitation will be held Friday, June 19, 2026, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 800 N. New Road, Waco TX from 6:00-8:00pm.

Memorial service for Joyce will be Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 10:00am at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 800 N. New Road with Pastor Austin Nickel officiating.

Lunch will be provided for anyone choosing to attend immediately following the memorial service.

Interment will be at 1:00 Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St, Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Lutheran Sunset Ministries in Clifton or any charity of your choice.

Please keep the family in your prayers at this time.