Joyce Nell Freasier Svoboda was born April 25, 1938 in Wilson County, Texas to Chester and Lois Freasier. She passed into the arms of Jesus on June 17, 2017.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Jerry Svoboda, Sr., sister-in-law Lalla Dian Freasier, and great-grandsons Jacob and Isaac Wilhite.

She is survived by her sister, Lois “Marie” Freasier Skaggs and husband, Ron; brother, Owen David “Butch” Freasier and wife, Dale; brother, Lloyd Chester Freasier; son, Daniel “Bruce” Nitschke and wife, Becky; son Randell Lee Nitschke and wife, Libby; stepson Jerry Svoboda, Jr. and wife, Jeanie; stepson, Darrell Svoboda and wife, Eileen; stepdaughter, Sherrill Svoboda; stepson, Douglas Svoboda and wife, Jami; grandchildren Cody Nitschke and wife, Rhonda; Carrie Nitschke Durnez and husband, Daniel; Colt Nitschke and wife, Jamee; Carson Nitschke; Keslee Nitschke Wilhite and husband, David; Kylee Nitschke; Jessica Richards; Jerry Svoboda, III., Julie Svoboda, Kathileen Svoboda Nance and husband, Randy; Darrell Svoboda; David Svoboda and wife, Katie; Michael Zlebis; Mark Zlebis; Benjamin McDaniel; Brandon Chesser; Arron Svoboda; and Presley Svoboda; great-grandchildren Kyler; Hayden; Emma; Jenaca; Brielle; Ashlyn; Zane; Caleb; Zoey; Jayden; Justin; Frank; Dylan; Karlee; Khloe; Dusti; Dru; and Dayton, as well as many nephews, nieces, and family friends whom she held dear.

Joyce spent many years prayerfully mothering her sons, nephew, and various neighborhood kids and was a devoted wife who loved to study the Bible and spend time praying over her family. Joyce was a friend to all that she met and considered no one a stranger. She worked as a preschool teacher and taught Vacation Bible School for many years, taking many of her grandkids along with her. Planning family gatherings was one of her life’s pleasures, and she hosted large gatherings on holidays, coordinated reunions, and sometimes had everyone together just because she wanted to, and NO ONE ever left her home hungry – just ask her kids about her fried chicken and her chicken and rice!

She was known as an avid gardener, regularly being awarded Yard of the Month for her immaculate lawns and flowerbeds. She loved spending time outdoors and could usually be found with her hands in the dirt. Later in her life, Joyce became a rock-collecting connoisseur and would decorate her rock collection with her favorite pretty leaves and flowers from her garden.

Joyce’s dedication to her faith, family, and friends was as widely recognized by her community, as was her vibrant red hair.

Visitation will be Wednesday June 21, 2017 from 6pm-8pm at Finch Funeral Chapel, Stockdale, Texas. Services for Joyce will be held on June 22, 2017, 10:30 am at Finch Funeral Chapel in Stockdale, Texas with Joyce’s nephew, Ray Skaggs, presiding. Interment will follow in the Stockdale Cemetery.

Pallbearers serving in Joyce’s memory are Cody Nitschke, Colt Nitschke, Carson Nitschke, Daniel Durnez, David Wilhite, Wade Skaggs and David Freasier.

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