Celebrating the Life of Joyce Sherrard Joyce Marie Sherrard was born into the union of William and Carlie Gaunty on July 3, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois. In the early 1950's, her family became charter members of Faith Temple Church of God in Christ (COGIC), located on the south-side of Chicago. As a youngster, Joyce asked Jesus into her heart, and accepted Him as Savior and Lord. She attended Sunday-School, church services and youth meetings. The Bible-based training Joyce received at home and church, served as the foundation for her passionate commitment to helping others throughout her life. In 1957, the family moved to Los Angeles, California, where they worshipped at Grace Memorial (COGIC). As a young adult, Joyce joined 21st Street Temple (COGIC). While there, she met and married the late Minister David Sherrard. Subsequently, Joyce was ordained as an evangelist. She dedicated herself to ministry through membership in the following: Many years at Calvary Emmanuel (COGIC), and recently at New Hope (COGIC), both located in Compton, California. Also, Joyce worked steadfastly with Old Camp Ground Ministry and Lighthouse Evangelistic Center. Extremely fond of gospel music, Joyce was an avid participant in her church choir...she truly loved to sing. For many years she sang and traveled with VIP (Voices in Praise). She was grateful for the opportunity to share the gospel through music. A graduate of Mt. Vernon Jr. High (now known as Johnnie Cochran Middle School) and Los Angeles High School, Joyce pursued and obtained additional credentials from California State University, Los Angeles, and the University of LaVerne. Joyce entered professional life with the Los Angeles Unified School District. She began as a classroom teacher, later became a school counselor, and eventually an assistant principal. Passionate about "at risk" students, Joyce often initiated special programs to help them. She was always willing to "roll up her sleeves" and go the "extra mile" to support students, family, friends, and fellow educators.

On December 29, 2020, Joyce Sherrard was called home to be with Jesus, peacefully departing this life while at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, California. She was proceeded in death by husbands David Sherrard and Paul Powell Joyce's family ties - some surviving and some departed: -Parents – William (Bill) and Carlie Gaunty – both deceased -Brothers –William Jr. - ("Brother"), Lula wife -both deceased Rex Gaunty – deceased; wife – Katie Mae George Alfred Gaunty ("Corky")-deceased; wife - Karen Gerald Gaunty – deceased Larry Gaunty – deceased -Sisters - Mary Lee Brady Bradie – Andrew, husband (both deceased) Ruby Weaver – Eddie, husband (both deceased) Dolores Gaunty-Porter – Lee (husband - deceased) Janice Coleman – Anthony (husband) Gloria Johnson – Bennie Joe (husband) -Others – Sister-in-law, Willette Sherrard God-daughter-Tanya DeCuir Prayer partner & long-time friend – Evangelist Christine Johnson A host of cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and even a few "great grands".