Gershom Joyce Sowell's Obituary
Sunrise December 12, 1936- Sunset May 12, 2020
Gershom Joyce Sowell was born Quincy Jeannetta Joyce on December 12,1936 to Robert Ezra Joyce Sr. and Jeannetta Jones Joyce in Nashville Tennessee. Gershom was 9 of thirteen children. 10 Of her siblings preceded her in death. 9 brothers, 1 sister (Midge).
Gershom graduated from Bell Town Elementary School, Hampton High School in Dixon Tennessee June 1954 Salutorial of her class. She attended Port Huron Jr. College. She graduated from Eastern Michigan University and was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sority. With a Bachelors degree in Special Education in Sacramento CA. Gershom was the Director of Black Studies for Region One in Detroit Michigan. She retired after 35 years of teaching Special Educ, in Sacramento Ca., with Sacramento Unified School District.
Traveling was her passion and she was a world traveler. She loved arts and sports (Tennis).
Gershom was taught the Gospel by Bro. Sandy Jordan and was Baptized under the tutoring by Marshal Keeble at a tent meeting.
Gershom married John Edwards-El in June, 1958 to which one child was born John Edwards-El in Detroit Michigan. She later married her High School sweetheart B.J. Sowell after attending her High School reunion. They were married in June 1986 until (B.J.’s) death in June, 2017.
Gershom was a member of May Street Church of Christ with Bro. King Morris (minister), Bro. Kenny Johnson (minister) and later a member of Hagginwood Church of Christ with Bro. John Smith (minister).
Gershom leaves to cherish her memory her devoted son John Edwards-El, Two cherish sister’s Helen Vance of Staten Island, New York and Marian Bernice Joyce of Sacramento California. A devoted niece Torria Joyce of Sacramento California, a host of nieces, nephew’s (great and great greats) nieces and nephew, devoted cousin and dear friends.
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