Joyce V. Gest

Joyce Verlene Lange Gest-beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother-passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026, at the age of 86, in Brenham, Texas. Joyce was born on September 3, 1939, in Warrenton, Texas.
Joyce graduated as valedictorian from Round Top–Carmine High School in 1957. She moved to Houston, Texas, and one year later married her high school sweetheart, Gerald Gest. They bought their first house on Cobalt Street in Houston, Texas. In 1971, Joyce and Gerald moved to Oak Ridge North. During this time span they raised their three children. They remained in the same home in Oak Ridge North until retiring in 2005. After retirement, Joyce and Gerald chose to return to Joyce's childhood home in Warrenton, Texas.
Joyce built a successful career at Exxon from 1969 to 1998, beginning in Human Resources Services and later advanced through the ranks to Payroll and Retirement Services.
Joyce was an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church of Warrenton, where she volunteered her time and talents. She had a passion for antiquing and travel, which she enjoyed alongside Gerald. Together, they visited all 50 states and traveled to several countries in Europe, as well as Australia. For a time, Joyce and Gerald owned an antique store in Montgomery, Texas, and also sold during the semi-annual Warrenton Texas Antique Fairs.
Joyce is survived by her children: son Darrell Gest and daughter-in-law Carol Eckelkamp of Austin; son Stephen Gest and daughter-in-law Janet Anderson of Fort Collins, Colorado; and daughter Tracey Harros of Conroe, Texas. She is also survived by her grandchildren: William Hardy Gest, Miranda Gest Davis (husband Lane), Maisie Gest Woolverton (husband David), Petra Gest (husband Andy), Riley Gest, and Michael Harros; and by her great-grandchildren Mabel Davis, Callan Davis, Bennett Woolverton, Johanna Gest, and Louisa Gest.
Joyce is also survived by her sister, Carol Ann Lange Fewell, and her husband, Doug. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Gest, and her parents, Alfred Otto Lange and Edna Rohde Lange.
A memorial service to celebrate Joyce's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on February 7, 2026, at St. John's Lutheran Church of Warrenton, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Joyce to St. John's Lutheran Church, Warrenton, Texas, or to Luminous Hospice in College Station, Texas.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations, 208 W. Pearl, La Grange, Texas. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com.