Joyce Marie (Sayed) Zehna

Joyce Marie (Sayed) Zehna, 81, died early July 13, 2021, after a brave battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her family at the time of her death. Joyce was born June 4, 1940 in Trinidad, Colorado to Sara Lee (Ferri) Sayed and Joseph Nicholas Sayed. She graduated from Holy Trinity School in 1958, and married her high school sweetheart, Byron (Buddy) Zehna in 1960. They lived for many years in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where their two children, Frank Joseph and Pamela Jean were born. Later, career opportunities took them to Macon, Georgia and eventually back to Albuquerque. After her husband’s passing in 2001, Joyce moved to Athens, Georgia to be close to her children and grandchildren. Joyce thrived as a Director of The Avon Company for many years, and later in her career, was a successful sales woman in the automotive industry. Joyce’s faith in Jesus Christ was very important to her. She served as a short-term missionary to India, Costa Rica and Mexico and continued to support field missionaries in India until her death. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sara and Joseph Sayed, her brother Joseph (Buddy) Sayed and her precious husband, Buddy. She is survived by her children, Frank (Stephanie) Zehna of Athens, GA, her daughter Pamela Register, of Watkinsville, GA, Grandchildren Sallie (Brad) Starrett, Joe (Jessica) Zehna, Nic Zehna, and Christian Register; Great grand-daughter Zendaya Porter; Siblings Sharon (Lynn) King, Cheryl Shreve, Tom (Vicki) Sayed, and close nieces and nephews Janelle Spahn, Ben King, Sara Shreve, James Shreve, Keri Hollon, Melissa Formby, Linn Goolsbey, Debbie Brasher, Kim Monarco, Kim Souders, Matt Barton, Brian Barton, and Keith Hopper. A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, July 16, 2021, 10 a.m. at Athens Church in the Gallery with a reception following at the home of Frank and Stephanie Zehna. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to The Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 49309, Athens, Georgia 30604 or www.cfnega.org  Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com