Dates
Joyce Helen Cowan Chadwick, 86, of Waco, Texas, peacefully entered the presence of her Lord on October 4, 2025. She was born on June 9, 1939, in Loco, Oklahoma, to Alta Mae (Davis) Cowan and Robert Cowan.
After marrying the love of her life, William Dale Chadwick, Joyce devoted her life to faith, family, and service. She surrendered her heart to Jesus after Dale became a Christian and began taking their young boys to church—a turning point that shaped generations to come. Joyce lived her faith in the everyday moments. She read Scripture aloud as her sons ate breakfast, made sure Sunday was honored with reverence, and created a home where laughter, warmth, and grace always filled the air.
Her Thanksgiving table was open to anyone without family close by, and her granddaughters treasure memories of their annual tea parties and shopping trips. If there was an opportunity to enjoy Mexican food together, Joyce was ready. She loved people, parties, and social gatherings—where there was laughter and life in the room, she wanted to be part of it! Family affectionately called her the “fun grandma.”
Joyce and Dale moved to San Angelo in 1971 and lived there over fifty years. In 1976, they purchased Myers Drug in downtown San Angelo, where Dale served as pharmacist and Joyce managed the gift department—stocking the store with beautiful Vera Bradley bags and thoughtful treasures. Over more than forty years, she helped Dale develop the store into a thriving downtown business. A successful, self-taught businesswoman with a tireless work ethic, Joyce was a true helpmate, faithful both in business and at home.
Together, Joyce and Dale also led the college ministry at College Hills Baptist Church, where countless students came to know Christ through their loving hospitality, creative lessons, and genuine care. Their ministry touched hundreds of young married couples, college students, and single adults. Only God knows how many will be in heaven through their faithful service.
Joyce later found joy in quilting, stitching warmth and love into every piece she made for family and friends. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always eager to know when she would see them next. Her love for them was active and constant, and they adored her in return.
In her later years, Joyce dedicated herself to caring for her beloved husband as his health declined. She modeled sacrificial love and grace in those final years, centering her life on helping him with steadfast devotion.
Joyce is survived by her husband, William Dale Chadwick, and their sons, Mike (Kathy) and Doug (Melissa) Chadwick; seven grandchildren—Carissa, Ryan, Tyler (Kylie), Kaylee, Bailey (Clayton) Kafer, Abbey (Jace) Johnson, and Kirby (Nick) Graeve; and nine great-grandchildren—Layne, Maren, and Eden Chadwick; Kilian Chadwick; Bennett, Emeline, and Sullivan Kafer; Forrest Graeve; and Avery Johnson. She is also survived by her sister, Linda Alley.
The Funeral Service will be 12:00 P.M., Friday, October 10, 2025, at Harper Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to honor Joyce by making a donation to the building fund of the church where Mike is pastor: Christ’s Way Baptist Church – Building Fund. 632 CR 6330 Dayton, TX 77575.
Family and friends may share their condolences at www.harper-funeralhome.com.