Joyce B. Strouth

Joyce was born May 26, 1933, to Jeff and Clara McClure Nall in Coleman County, TX. She married Kenneth Larry Strouth on July 7, 1979 in Lubbock, TX.

Joyce was reared in Bula, Texas – just west of Littlefield. After graduation, she moved to Lubbock. She loved meeting the public and began using this skill working at the Avalanche-Journal. Later, she joined Fields & Company and worked many years as a PBX operator. She soon learned of the Texas PBX Operators Club and began attending meetings. Her public speaking ability and outgoing personality were quickly recognized and she was elected State President of the club. As president , she travelled to meetings throughout the state and spoke to many clubs and organizations. In 1976 she helped organize the PBX Annual Convention in Lubbock with over 100 members attending.

After leaving Fields & Company, Joyce joined the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) as District Director responsible for West Texas Operations. Joyce conducted campaigns, meetings and banquets throughout her territory which included Lubbock, Amarillo, Pampa, Midland-Odessa, Big Spring, San Angelo and Abilene. During this time, she developed a speaking style that included anecdotes of her Texas heritage as well as a well-rounded repertoire of jokes which made her a popular host. A favorite activity was the annual summer camp for children suffering from muscular dystrophy. She loved being able to interact with the children and their families and seeing the direct benefits they were receiving through MDA.

In May 1976 she brought all her talents together and took to the airwaves as Lubbock’s own Sunshine Sally. Her show was filmed in the KLBK studios and broadcast five times a week for the next four years.

Although the show ended in 1980, Joyce continued to appear as Sunshine Sally. During the 1980s she was a favorite in local July 4th parades, had a booth at several Christmas galas at the Lubbock Civic Center, performed at a wide variety of events including store openings, birthday parties and occasionally sang at Kay Calloway Newton’s dance club south of Lubbock. She also got into character and entertained by telling jokes at Raider Ranch where she lived until 2018. Lubbockites are kind to remember her show and she seldom went more than a few days without being recognized as Sunshine Sally.

Her legacy is a positive impact for the Lubbock community and all who knew and loved her.

Joyce is survived by:
Her daughter Julie and son-in-law L. T. Aylor of Fort Worth, TX.
Daughter Pam and Chris Hankins of Rathdrum, ID.
Son Larry Strouth of Durango, CO.

Nieces and Nephews:
Jeannette and Kirk Gray of Leesburg, TX.
Bryan and LeeAnn Brownfield of Rowlett, TX.
Brent and Cindy Brownfield of The Colony, TX.
Jerry Elliott of Granbury, TX.
Winston Ward of Granbury, TX.
Twilla and Wayne Leverette of Gardendale, TX.
Evette and Frenchie Tardif of TN.
Keitha and Tracie VanNess of Beaumont, TX.

Grandchildren:
Brian Aylor of Midland, TX.
Andrew and Stephany Strouth of Copperas Cove, TX.
Dan and Brittany Strouth of Okinawa, Okinawa
Zack and Kacie Strouth of Caldwell TX.
Jacob and Tracy Strouth of Killeen, TX.
Eric and Kendra Hankins of Waco, TX.
Daron and Cassandra Hankins of Enterprise, AL.
Sean Hankins of Meridian, ID.
Kyle and Nikki Hankins of Star, ID.
Tony and Kimberly (Hankins) Caliger of Post Falls, ID.

And Many Great-grandchildren

Joyce is preceded in Death by her husband:
Kenneth Larry Strouth

Sisters:
Marie Elliott
Marylou Brownfield
Maxine Coffman

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