Joyce Ann Latour's Obituary
Joyce Ann Latour was born in Korea on May 11, 1932. She later met Joseph Latour in 1951 during his first tour in the Korean War. During Joseph’s second tour in Korea, they were married at the American Embassy in 1955 before coming to America. Joseph and Joyce were formally married in the Catholic Church in 1961 while stationed in Würzburg, Germany, and remained married for over 57 years, until Joseph's death in 2012. Joyce’s birth name was Chae Don Ryun. She was given the name “Joyce Ann” by Joseph when he brought the family to America in 1955.
Joyce and Joseph had 3 children:
Joseph Rocky -- Born in Korea in 1953
Paul Anthony -- Born in Korea in 1955
Dinah Marie -- Born in Fort Hood Texas in 1956
Joyce was orphaned at three years old as Korea was devastated by World War II and the Korean War, and her family was starving.
In the ultimate act of love, her mother gave her to a family who promised to feed her and care for her, hoping to give her daughter a chance at a better life.
Although Joyce never had the opportunity to attend school, that did not stop her from excelling in many areas. While she did not know how to read, write, or spell in English, she learned by helping her children with their schoolwork while stationed in Germany. She and Joseph wrote daily letters to each other while he was deployed and away from his family.
Joyce was a self-taught seamstress who made many shirts, pants, coats, and dresses for herself and her children. Through her discipline, exceptional money management, and strong negotiating skills, the family was able to purchase their first home in San Antonio with cash in 1970—a proud accomplishment that reflected her dedication and perseverance.
After moving to Houston in 1975, Joyce became a very business-minded woman.
She helped open and operate many Latour Family businesses including:
Northshore Superskate Roller Rink 1978 - 1985
The Country Connection Nightclub 1985 - 1987
The Junction Nightclub Northshore 1987 - 1990
The Junction Nightclub Clearlake 1988 - 1990
The Palomino Club Northshore 1990 - 1993
Skatetown USA Northshore 1992 - 1995
The Maverick Club Northshore 1993 - 1995
The Ozone Nightclub Northshore 1995 - 1996
The Dakota Nightclub Northshore 1996 - 1997
Joyce was a caring and loving mother. Her children and grandchildren were her world.
She enjoyed cooking, hosting large parties, dancing, exercising, traveling the world, sewing, and gardening. She loved making people laugh, but most of all, she enjoyed giving her time and volunteering.
Having grown up in abject poverty and never forgetting her roots, Joyce became one of the largest donors to her church, generously giving both her time and money.
She volunteered at Saint Andrew Catholic Church on Sheldon Road for over 20 years, helping Father Christopher serve Communion,
assisting with church events including the Annual Bazaar and working in Mary’s Kitchen. In addition to her church contributions, she volunteered within the senior community at the Leon Grayson Center, San Jacinto College, numerous assisted living facilities, and Northshore Hospital.
Joyce is Survived by:
Son – Paul Latour
Daughter – Dinah Latour Balberchak and husband Matt Balberchak
Grandchildren – Robbie McDaniel, Candace Peck, Nicole Latour, Megan Latour,
Ryan Latour and wife Lindsey Latour, Conner Latour, and Alexis Latour
Great Grandchildren- Maryah Gonzales-Kalbaugh, Jett Latour, and Lola Latour
And, Preceded in joining our Lord by:
Mother-in-law -- Ernestine Latour
Husband - Joseph Lee Latour
Son – Joseph Rocky Latour
In-laws - Henry Latour, Ruby, Latour, Berkley Latour, Ionia Latour, Lila Mae West, Leo West,
Laurent Latour, Hilda Latour, and Calvin Leger,
Nieces/nephews - Zachary Latour, Theresa Latour, Jesse Latour, Linda Latour, Steve Latour,
Donna Latour, Thelma Rhea LaFleur, JB Lafleur, Laurie Latour, Matthew Henry
Connie Leger and Mario Cardenas
Joyce had a vibrant spirit and lived a life marked by resilience, generosity, and deep devotion to her family, faith, and community.
Visitation
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Friday, March 13, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
at San Jacinto Funeral Home, 14659 East Freeway, Houston, TX 77015.
Funeral Mass
A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 14, at 9:30 a.m. at
Saint Andrew Catholic Church, 827 Sheldon Road, Channelview, TX 77530.
Immediately following Mass, Joyce will be buried at
San Jacinto Cemetery, 14659 East Freeway, Houston, TX 77015.
The family invites all who attend to join them for a luncheon immediately after burial at
Blue Bayou Restaurant, 12009 I-10 East Freeway, Houston, TX 77029.
What’s your fondest memory of Joyce?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joyce?
Share a story where Joyce's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joyce you’ll never forget.
How did Joyce make you smile?
