Joyce Barbara Naylor

Joyce Barbara Naylor of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026. A devoted wife, mother, and friend, Joyce will be remembered for her warmth, sincerity, and selfless dedication to her family. Born on November 19, 1931, in Sherman, Illinois, she was the fourth of five rambunctious children born to William and Eva Cooper. Blessed with a sparkling personality and movie star looks, Joyce was a popular girl who loved to perform and share her beautiful singing voice with others. She graduated from Williamsville High School class of 1949, where her cheerful spirit shone brightly as a member of the cheerleading squad, school chorus, and drama club. In 1951, Joyce married her high school sweetheart, James “Ralph” Naylor, beginning a loving marriage that lasted 67 years. She put her own college ambitions on hold, instead working full time to help pay for his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. After Ralph’s service in the US Navy during the Korean War, the couple settled in Hoffman Estates, IL, where they raised their three sons – instilling in them traditional values of hard work, self-discipline, and respect for others. Ralph taught physics at Forest View High School while Joyce shuttled the boys to their many sports and musical activities and dutifully supported their latest passion, no matter how fleeting the interest. Summers were spent fishing, swimming, and waterskiing at the family’s beloved vacation home on Table Rock Lake in Missouri. Joyce kept the boys fed, the household spotless and, begrudgingly, learned to swim and bait a hook. Once the boys left the nest, Joyce worked in various roles as an office manager, bookkeeper, and librarian. She and Ralph loved traveling, spending time with their many friends, and attending church. In 1995, Ralph and Joyce relocated to west Houston where they became long-time members of Second Baptist Church. In her later years, Joyce was thrilled to be able to use modern technology to virtually attend Sunday services and visit her great grandchildren in Michigan. In honor of her husband’s military service, Joyce donated generously to Wounded Warrior Project and other veterans’ charities. Her friends in Houston knew her as a genuine and sunny presence who could always be counted on for encouragement and a good laugh. Joyce Naylor is survived by her sons Stan Naylor of Johns Creek, GA and Rick Naylor of Houston, TX; her brother Jack Cooper of Vernon Hills, IL; three grandchildren, Lauren Yost of Hillsdale, MI, David Naylor of New York, NY, Sean Naylor of Sandy Springs, GA; and four great grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Ralph (2019), and eldest son Christopher (2024). A visitation will be held January 31 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am with a service at 11:00 am, both at Dettling Funeral Home in Houston 14094 Memorial Dr. Houston, TX 77079. Interment will take place at 12:45 pm on February 2 at VA Houston National Cemetery where she will be laid to rest alongside her husband, Ralph.

Joyce Barbara Naylor

November 19, 1931 - January 15, 2026