This site is a tribute to Joyce Ellis who sadly passed away on Wednesday 10th March 2021.
Joyce Ellis was probably best known in the early days for breeding and showing dogs under her affix Fernell Shih Tzu, along with her son Derek. In the early 1980s, Joyce and some of her like minded show friends noticed that there was a need for rescue for their beloved breed and Southern Shih Tzu Rescue was born. Joyce was one of the founder members and served on the committee, with many roles from 1985 until 2014 when she took a leave of absence for health reasons. She returned in 2016 when the rescue was in turmoil and in January 2017 she called an EGM to form a new committee. With her determination and dedication, the rescue celebrated 35 years in 2020. Joyce lived for the dogs and the rescue and hardly ever missed a Show or Party. You would find Joyce and her granddaughter Emma on her stall, selling dog coats and jumpers that she had knitted to raise money for the dogs.
In June 2020, the rescue asked Joyce to judge our online dog show, as we couldn't hold any events. Joyce didn't have a computer but the rescue printed off all the entries and delivered them to her with a bouquet of flowers to say 'Thank You'
Joyce had a heart of gold, loved her family and friends, was very generous and would do anything for anyone. She made many life long friends through the rescue over the years and would always stand up for what she believed in.
She will be greatly missed by her children Derek and Lorraine, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her friends. She is much loved and will be missed by all who knew her and will always be remembered.
I was a volunteer 8 years with the southern shihtzu rescue and Joyce was always kind responsive and helpful. I am saddened to hear (only today) of her passing. God bless her.
Joyce was such a caring lady and a great lover of Shih Tzus. May she rest in peace
What a wonderful and dedicated lady. So sad for your loss.
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