Rita Shoemake

Rita Joyce Crochet Shoemake, Crosby, TX was born February 21, 1943 in Port Arthur, TX to Inez and Roy Crochet. She passed away at her home in Crosby, TX February 17, 2014, after battling pancreatic cancer for a year.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Mary Louise Crochet Hailey; step-son, Danny Myers; brother-in-law, Terry Thierheimer.

Survivors are her husband, Donald Shoemake of the home; brother, Roy Crochet (Yvonne),Las Vegas, NV and his children: Brian, Michele, Christopher and Stephen; sister, Frances Gayle Thierheimer, Kirbyville, TX; nephew, Chris Thierheimer of Arnaudville, LA; nieces: Kaye Thierheimer of Spring, TX; Vicky Louise Pierce and Marilee Carr of Cleveland, TN; Judy Lynn Stafford of Chattanooga, TN; cousin Travis Landry and his daughters: Kristy Landry of Lufkin, TX, Marilyn Nicole (Nicky) Ross of Spring, TX, Julie Mazzuca of Rockwell, TX.

Joyce graduated from Bishop Byrne High School, Port Arthur, TX. Growing up in Port Arthur, she was very proud of her Catholic and Cajun heritage. She received Bachelor and Master Degrees from Lamar University in Beaumont, TX.

Joyce met Don Shoemake at Austin Senior High School in Houston, TX in 1976 where they were both teaching. They were married June 7, 1977 and spent most of their 37 years in Crosby, Texas.

Joyce taught deaf children and children with learning disabilities and for 29 years she taught at Hardin School north of Liberty, TX.

Joyce was an expert swimmer and as a young woman she taught swimming. She played several musical instruments, enjoyed singing, and was an avid reader. She loved animals and always had dogs and sometimes cats. She loved her school children like they were her own. She loved people and always had a large smile and a big hug for those who were dear to her.

Memorials may be made to National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation at NPCF P.O. Box 1848, Longmont, CO 80502

Cremation was by Carnes Funeral Home in Houston, TX. No services were held.