Dena Joyce Sutherland (Joyce), known for her love for Jesus and passion for the piano, was born on August 4,1935 to Cola and Docia Allen in the rural town of Councill Hill, Oklahoma. On June 8, 2024, Joyce got to meet Jesus face-to-face, welcomed into glory peacefully while in her sleep.

Joyce and her three younger brothers were born in their small family home on their 40-acre cotton farm. Once old enough, each of the children worked alongside the family in the fields. Her parents extended their children each a generosity in contrast to the norm of that era. Each child earned an allowance from their labors, "a kindness in them I may have taken for granted at the time but see the generosity and thoughtful teaching in it now," said Joyce. This impacted Joyce, as she too emulated the generosity and kindness her parents taught her by giving liberally to others all her life. She further expressed tremendous gratitude for having been taught a strong work-ethic and the value in hard work.

With her earnings, Joyce paid for a portion of her own piano lessons beginning at 8 years old. She rode the family horse Betsy three miles down the dirt road to Mrs. Ruth Vote's home for lessons each week. Not having a piano at their home, she walked the three-quarter mile to her Grandmother Allen's home each day after her school, and cotton picking / chopping chores were finished.

Joyce had a love of playing piano all her life saying, "I learned many songs, but this one was different, somehow this one just struck my soul, it stayed with me and stirred something mighty within. "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus; there's just something about that name. Master, Savior, Jesus like the fragrance after the rain". I could play this one by memory and when my vision was fogged as the tears welled, and I could no longer see the notes to play, somehow, I could continue," Joyce said, "The Lord birthed that into me – the love of praise." Joyce played the piano, leading worship at churches throughout all her life.

As a young girl, her parents gathered the family each morning after breakfast to kneel at the couch together. The children were bookended by her parents, one on each end. Her Dad led a Bible teaching, then each prayed with heads bowed – youngest to oldest - beginning with the baby David, then Don, Ralph, Joyce and finishing with her Mother, then Dad – completing their family alter time.

In the early 1940's it became personal. After attending a local revival with her family for a week, Joyce recognized her need for Jesus and repeated the words the minister spoke from the pulpit on that last night. "Something happened that night, something changed," Joyce said. "I had nightmares often as a child. But after that prayer, and the tearful compelling of my little heart – the nightmares stopped. The fear was gone – just like that. Vanished. And didn't return." She said, adding, "Of all the years attending church with my family as a little girl, the message that was impressed upon me the most, the verse that has remained imprinted on my heart has been, 'Acts 1:8 – But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea, in Samaria and to the ends of the earth.' That verse has never left me."

Joyce taught each of her three children, five grandchildren, and three great grandchildren to kneel and pray, just as her parents had taught her. She played Bible trivia with her grandchildren and even made them posterboard wall-hangings to help them learn the books of the Bible. Overnight visits with Grandma were always filled with story-time where the Bible heroes would all come to life as they read through her large collection of children's Bible books. Her love for Jesus was ever-present in her conversations, and nearly always brought humbled tears to her eyes as she spoke of His love.

In 1951, the Allen's loaded the family in their old pickup truck moving to Anaheim, California for better opportunities.  Joyce started 11th grade at Anaheim High School and graduated in 1953.  She met her dear friend Dora Ramirez who remained a treasured friend throughout all her life.

In 1952, Joyce was introduced to John Sutherland at their church. Their love united them, marrying on August 7, 1953.  They raised three beloved children:  Greg was born in 1955, Lisa was born in 1956, and Joni was born in 1958. Joyce was widowed in October 2003 when John passed peacefully.

Joyce was swept off her feet, falling deeply in love with Lowell Stump in 2005. They married and enjoyed almost 16 years of marriage until Lowell's peaceful passing on October 31, 2021.

Joyce was known for her sharp sense of style, elegance, and grace. She taught her granddaughters how to manicure their nails and to enjoy at-home facials. In the 1970's, she shared that she once hiked the Grand Canyon carrying a small mirror and lipstick so she could look her best while hiking.

She loved the outdoors and fitness. She faithfully walked for exercise throughout all her adult life. She enjoyed playing tennis and had fun teaching her grandchildren to play too. She led many nature hikes through Buffalo Park, teaching the grandchildren to see the hidden beauty all around them. Issuing each a basket to collect flowers and pretty rocks. Joyce taught them to touch, feel, and bask in God's glory all around them. Going as far as to teach them to flatten the wildflowers in a book to enjoy as artwork!

Of the many gifts Joyce gave to her treasured friends and family, the greatest was her love of Jesus. She met regularly in her home to lead Bible studies, treating ladies to lunch, and making a priority to visit those who were sick or grieved, bringing meals, prayer, and compassionate love.

When asked what her desires were, what she wanted her life legacy to be, she replied, "that my life would lead others to know and love Jesus. I want to see all my family and each of my friends in Heaven."

We humbly ask you to join us June 29th at 10AM at Norvel Owen Mortuary to celebrate Joyce Sutherland, and her life well lived.