Joyce Reiter

Joyce Cowart Reiter, 91, of Jacksonville, passed away peacefully at home on October 22, 2017. Her daughters, Karen and Jan, were with her. Joyce was born in Donalsonville, GA on August 29, 1926 to Douglas and Emma Jernigan Cowart, the 9th of 9 children, seven brothers and one sister, all of whom preceded her in death. She played basketball for Seminole High School, mastered the jitterbug, moved to Jacksonville in 1945 and joined the Women’s National AAU Basketball League. She worked at the Naval Air Station where she met and eventually married Frank Reiter in 1950. They shared 62 years together, often entertaining people with their George & Gracie style humor. Her dry wit and open heart charmed people so that she always had many friends, always said “Yes” to an invitation and enjoyed many visitors, young and old, in her declining years. Hallmark benefited every year from her birthday. She could always find something positive to say about everyone.
Joyce’s beloved husband, Frank, passed in 2012. She is survived by her daughters, Karen Fregeau (husband, Gary) and Jan MacKinnon of New Mexico. Karen was her tender loving caregiver till the last moment of her life. Joyce leaves behind two grandchildren, Carmen Lopez and Mark Lopez, and one great grandchild, Damon Lopez.
A condolence reception will be held 5-7 pm on Thursday, October 26, 2017 at Quinn-Shalz Family Funeral Home, 3600 3rd St S, Jacksonville Beach. Father Conrad Cowart (her nephew) will be officiating the Funeral Mass on Friday, October 27, 2017 at 11 am at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 545 A1A N, Ponte Vedra Beach, followed by refreshments and light lunch in the church hall.