Joyce & Joseph Serhan's Obituary
Joyce Anne Jeane Serhan May 10, 1942 - April 20, 2022
Joyce was born in Vernon Parish and raised in Leesville, Louisiana, the daughter of Joseph Harold Jeane and Hazel Wingate Jeane. Joyce graduated from Pickering High School in 1960. In her senior year, she was selected by her classmates to represent her school in the West Louisiana Forestry Festival Queen’s Contest. She was crowned runner up, an honor to her school and her family.
Upon high school graduation and completion of Cosmetology courses in Lake Charles, Joyce moved to the greater Los Angeles area for a short time, working as a cosmetologist. California held a very special place in her heart, however Joyce returned to Leesville for several years before moving to Shreveport. It was at Western Electric Company that Joyce met the love of her life, Joe Serhan. After several years in the Shreveport office, Joyce and Joe packed their bags and with small children in tow, headed for new opportunities with the company in Denver, Colorado.
In 1988, Joyce fulfilled her goal of completing a college education, graduating from Regis University in Denver, Colorado with a degree in Applied Communication. This was a huge accomplishment, as she did this while working full time and raising a family.
Joyce was born into a large family, enjoyed a carefree childhood and always appreciated her southern roots. She was preceded in death by her parents Jospeh and Hazel, sisters Peggy Firestone and Margie Bowen and brothers Harold Jeane and Walter Jeane. Joyce is survived by her brother Don Jeane and sisters Marsha (Franklin) Ivester and Lynda (Ike) Garman.
Joseph Isaac Serhan April 21, 1944 - April 20, 2022
Joe was born in Tripoli, Lebanon to Isaac and Latifa Serhan. A lifelong learner who excelled at mathematics, Joe grew up speaking Lebanese and French, but learned to speak English, knowing that he wanted to continue his higher education in the United States. After spending his first semester at college in Jackson, Mississippi he transferred to Louisiana State University where he graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace. Joe was actively involved in student organizations with fellow Lebanese students and appreciated the welcoming southern hospitality.
Upon graduation, Joe landed his first job at Western Electric Company as an Engineer in Shreveport, Louisiana. When he set his eyes on Joyce Jeane, the rest was history. After four years in the Shreveport office, Western Electric was expanding. In college Joe had visited Colorado and knew that some day he wanted to move there. When opportunity knocked, Joe and Joyce moved to Denver, Colorado.
Joe enjoyed a successful engineering career as Director of Operations for Western Electric, which eventually turned into AT&T.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Isaac and Latifa and brother Khalil Serhan. He is survived by siblings Micheal Ishack, George Ishack, Georgette Ishack, Salwa Ishack Deeb and Azizi Ishack Srour.
Joyce and Joe lived life to the fullest. They owned homes in the greater Denver area, Las Vegas and Louisiana and loved retirement. It was hard to keep up with them! They loved traveling between their homes, FOX News and a bountiful Las Vegas buffet.
Joyce and Joe are survived by their son Michael (Elizabeth) Serhan and daughter Latifa Rothrock. They adored their grandchildren Molly and Emily Serhan and David (Liz), Devin, Brooke and Erin Rothrock.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:00pm on June 4, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church in DeRidder, Louisiana with a reception to follow.
If you would like to celebrate with us remotely on Jun 4, 2022 at 12:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada), please click on the link below and enter the meeting ID and password.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83295450370?pwd=oZypVzGR7VBgmK_JfZhzZUggLDlkvO.1
Meeting ID: 832 9545 0370
Passcode: Church
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joyce and Joe’s name to the University of Colorado Hospital Foundation, Greatest Needs Fund, P.O. Box 17126, Denver, Colorado 80217. Gifts may be also be made online at giving.cu.edu.
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