Joyce Najla Shadid

Joyce Shadid, 85, passed away on November 10, 2018, surrounded by her loving family. She was born Joyce Najla Cohlmia on March 17, 1933 to Lee and Sumia Cohlmia in Ashlynn, Kansas. Joyce grew up in Wichita, KS, along with her 5 beloved, siblings, treasured cousins and a large, extended family. It was there also that she developed lifetime friendships especially with her “sisters” at the TPK sorority.

Joyce attended the University of Kansas until she met and later married Ernest (Sonny) Shadid on August 9, 1953. Together they shared 65 years of marriage. Joyce and Sonny traveled the world extensively. Longtime residents of Norman, OK, they participated in many social activities such as “Gourmet Group” and book clubs. Joyce was an accomplished bridge player and participated in local bridge clubs for over 40 years. She loved OU sports and was proud to be an OU season football ticket holder for more than 50 years. Joyce was a gourmet cook and was known for preparing Lebanese buffet-style dinners effortlessly. She was the consummate hostess and made every guest feel like family.

Despite her many talents and ability to wear many hats, there was no role that she cherished more than that of “Sittie” to her 14 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren: in her own words, “they are my life.”

Joyce is predeceased by her parents, brother Kay Cohlmia, and sister Vivian Roberts. Joyce’s husband, Dr. Ernest Shadid (Norman), survives her along with her children: Larry (Cecilia) of Dallas and children Allie Atkinson (Jacob and their children, Barrett and Emmy), Nick and Luke Shadid; David (Martha) of Tulsa and children Olivia, Emily, and Anna Shadid; Dede Bennett (Greg) of Moore and children Sarah, Michael, Sam and Josh Bennett; and Greg (Therese) of Norman and children Meredith, Marie, Danny, and Christina Shadid. Joyce is further survived by her siblings, Nahia Farha (Ray) of Wichita, A. Lee Cohlmia (Doris) of Dixon, MO, and Jerry Cohlmia (Catherine) of Wichita, and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Visitation will be from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 14th at the Havenbrook Funeral Home, 3401 Havenbrook St. in Norman. A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, November 15th at 11:00 a.m., at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 100 E. Stinson in Norman, OK 73072, with interment following at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Norman. Memorials may be made in memory of Joyce to St. Thomas More Church or the Carmelite Monastery, 2370 Morgan Road, NE Piedmont, OK 73078.