Joyce was born to Evelyn and Floyd Pannell on September 25th, 1937 in Benton, AR. She was their only child and not having siblings was one of Joyce’s biggest disappointments. She spoke of her longing for brothers and sisters her entire life. Joyce graduated as the valedictorian from Benton High School in 1955. She was a lifelong passionate and exceptional scholar. In 1970, she completed her formal education receiving her doctorate in Counseling from North Texas State University, which is now University of North Texas. During those years she also married John Wordy Buckner, Jr. (Aug ’58) and completed her family with the births of Cheryl (Aug ’59), John Wordy III, “Bucky” (Nov ’60), and Chris (Nov ’64). Joyce gracefully juggled motherhood, teaching, and the pursuit of higher education. Her professional history included pages of honors, certifications, publications, memberships, activities and speaking engagements that are too numerous to list. She was recognized internationally as a leading authority on relationships, intimacy, and the dialogical process. She was a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice until the day she died. A Master Trainer in Imago Relationship Therapy, she trained mental health providers throughout the world in relationship therapy and in the skills of workshop presenting. She appeared as a relationship expert on international radio and television talk shows, including the Oprah Winfrey Show in the ’90s. One of her proudest accomplishments was authoring her book, Making Real Love Happen. Dr. Buckner was also a former professor and academic department head at the University of Texas at Arlington. She was a woman ahead of her time and was loved and admired not only for her brilliant mind but also for her gentle, caring nature. Her former students and clients looked forward to what haute couture attire Dr. Buckner would be clad in during the semester or in a session. Her appearance could be deceiving though. She was really a modest lady who personally dealt with the same insecurities and doubts many of us have. It was this that allowed her to connect with, understand, and therefore help people at a deep, personal level. She knew her strengths and played to them well. She was invested in her students and clients, and they trusted her with their most intimate and pressing personal issues. She was not fond of small talk. Another little known fact about Joyce was that she was the daughter of a Southern Baptist minister and dancing was prohibited during her youth. Nevertherless, she eventually beame a student of ballroom dancing and excelled at it. On weekends, you could find her at the Chaparral or Petroleum Club with her dance teacher and love interest, Tony Trent. They won many dance competitions. She continued to yearn for one more opportunity to dance with Tony. Predeceased by her son, Christopher Waymond Buckner in 1984. Joyce is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Till and husband, David Till and son, Dr. John Wordy, “Bucky” Buckner III; grandchildren: Dr. John Buckner IV (Jen), Christina Buckner Freeman (Trent), Jake Buckner, Natalie Till Cox (John) and Austin Till. Eleven great grandchildren and one on the way. We will so miss the ability to seek her counsel and know we are not alone in our grief. We invite you to join us in a celebration of Joyce’s life at St. Barnabas United Methodist Church, 5011 W. Pleasant Ridge Rd., Arlington, TX 76016 on Friday, January 31st at 1:00pm.
