Obituary for Bloyce Irving (Williams)
Bloyce Karlotta Iola Williams Irving was born in Norfolk, VA. She was the fifth of eight children born to the late Edna and Jimmie Williams, Sr. Bloyce graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1962 and soon after, moved to Los Angeles, CA and married the late Teola “Nick” Irving, Sr. To this union, three children were born.
In 1980, the Irving family moved to Marshall, TX where Bloyce became a member of Pine Bluff Baptist Church. Later, she followed her children and moved her membership to St. Paul Baptist Church where she served as a faithful member until her health failed her.
When she first moved to Marshall she adopted many “special sons and daughters”. Bloyce maintained her family and home with the same pride and energy she did for local families that requested her services to work in their homes. She found her true calling when she joined the staff at First Methodist Day School. She was the cook/dietician for the school, serving for 20 years. While at FMDS, she touched the lives of many families through her cooking and her love.
While she was an excellent cook, she was an even better singer. She will always be known throughout the East Texas community for her gifted voice. She sang everywhere; at home, at work, in the car, even in the grocery stores. Outside of singing in her church choir, she sang with groups such as The Gospel Warriors and the Rural Community Female Chorus. She would even travel home to Virginia to be with her siblings and would sing with them. Serving God and using her gift was something she passed to her children, grandchildren, and even her great-grandchildren.
One of her greatest joys was being around her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Every concert, sporting event, birthday party or family dinner, she wanted to be there, and was there until she was no longer physically able.
Bloyce would sing in the church choir, “Every Day Is A Day Of Thanksgiving”…take the time to glorify the Lord, today”. We rejoice in knowing that she lived a life that was pleasing to God and she shared God’s love with every person she encountered.
Bloyce was preceded in death by her parents, Edna & Jimmie Williams; husband, Teola “Nick” Irving; two children, Cortelyou Williams and Candice Irving; brother, Robert “Snuke” Williams; sister, Bobby Jean Flowers.
Bloyce leaves to cherish her memory two daughters, Shelime Bruner of Jurupa Valley, CA and Aisha Irving of Marshall, TX; one son, Teola “Pooka” Irving, II of Marshall, TX; sisters, Esther Obey of Goldsboro, NC, Toya Williams, Renay Jones and Cheryl Williams all of Norfolk, VA; brother, Dr. Jimmie (Juanita) Williams Jr. of Zion, IL; 22 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; two special nieces, Brenetta Williams and Benita Flowers; one special nephew, Phillip Harris; a host of other nieces, nephews, family and friends.
In 1980, the Irving family moved to Marshall, TX where Bloyce became a member of Pine Bluff Baptist Church. Later, she followed her children and moved her membership to St. Paul Baptist Church where she served as a faithful member until her health failed her.
When she first moved to Marshall she adopted many “special sons and daughters”. Bloyce maintained her family and home with the same pride and energy she did for local families that requested her services to work in their homes. She found her true calling when she joined the staff at First Methodist Day School. She was the cook/dietician for the school, serving for 20 years. While at FMDS, she touched the lives of many families through her cooking and her love.
While she was an excellent cook, she was an even better singer. She will always be known throughout the East Texas community for her gifted voice. She sang everywhere; at home, at work, in the car, even in the grocery stores. Outside of singing in her church choir, she sang with groups such as The Gospel Warriors and the Rural Community Female Chorus. She would even travel home to Virginia to be with her siblings and would sing with them. Serving God and using her gift was something she passed to her children, grandchildren, and even her great-grandchildren.
One of her greatest joys was being around her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Every concert, sporting event, birthday party or family dinner, she wanted to be there, and was there until she was no longer physically able.
Bloyce would sing in the church choir, “Every Day Is A Day Of Thanksgiving”…take the time to glorify the Lord, today”. We rejoice in knowing that she lived a life that was pleasing to God and she shared God’s love with every person she encountered.
Bloyce was preceded in death by her parents, Edna & Jimmie Williams; husband, Teola “Nick” Irving; two children, Cortelyou Williams and Candice Irving; brother, Robert “Snuke” Williams; sister, Bobby Jean Flowers.
Bloyce leaves to cherish her memory two daughters, Shelime Bruner of Jurupa Valley, CA and Aisha Irving of Marshall, TX; one son, Teola “Pooka” Irving, II of Marshall, TX; sisters, Esther Obey of Goldsboro, NC, Toya Williams, Renay Jones and Cheryl Williams all of Norfolk, VA; brother, Dr. Jimmie (Juanita) Williams Jr. of Zion, IL; 22 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; two special nieces, Brenetta Williams and Benita Flowers; one special nephew, Phillip Harris; a host of other nieces, nephews, family and friends.