Joyce was born to Edith and Nelson West on September 3, 1927 in Stigler, Ok and was the oldest of their 5 children. In 1946, she was a graduate of Shafter High School, in Shafter, CA. Soon after, on May 8, 1947, she married her sweetheart, Jack Dodgen. During their 64 years of marriage they shared an abundance of happiness in raising their 3 children; Brenda, Michael and Gary. She, then, got to enjoy her 6 grandchildren and her 11 great-grandchildren. Family was everything to Joyce. She found happiness by being surrounded by all of her loved ones. There would never be a moment when you wouldn't be met with a smile and a kind word. And when you came to visit, you would also leave with a full belly because she always loved to cook for everyone. Besides cooking, she also enjoyed sewing, crocheting and making ceramics. It was her heart's fulfillment to give her gifts of love. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents Edith and Nelson West; Brother, Nelson West, Jr; Sister, Winifred Loven; Husband , Jack Dodgen, Son Michael Dodgen and Gary Dodgen; Son-in-Law , Richard Coughenour. She is survived by her daughter, Brenda Coughenour; Sisters, Lois Cramer and Loretta Dirksen; Brother-in-Law, Charles Loven and Sister-in-Law, Ruthe West, 6 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be under the direction of Peters Funeral Home Funeral Home in Shafter on Friday June 21, 2013 at 11am. A graveside burial will follow the service at Shafter Memorial Park. Pallbearers will include Steven Hernandez, Roger Welch, Duane Jeffries, Dennis Dyer, Rick Gilbert, Roger Young, Rodney Creekbaum and Scott Gilbert. Joyce has touched many with her love and kindness and will be forever missed.