Mother's passing hits Van Exel Web Posted: 08/09/2006 11:52 PM CDT Johnny Ludden Express-News Staff Writer Joyce Van Exel, the mother of former Spurs guard Nick Van Exel who shared the fearless attitude her son used to become an NBA All-Star, died Tuesday in Houston. She was 52. Joyce was found dead of an apparent heart attack in the house Van Exel bought for her near his home in Houston. An autopsy is planned, said Van Exel's agent, Tony Dutt. "It's a really emotional time for him," Dutt said. "But we're going to do everything we can to help him through it." Joyce raised Van Exel as a single parent in Kenosha, Wis., after his father went to prison. She worked the night shift at an automobile plant for 28 years but always made sure dinner was ready for Van Exel after he arrived home from school. Even after Van Exel signed a $77 million contract with Denver, Joyce resisted his efforts to convince her to quit her job. Only after a stranger shot Joyce after she returned home from work one night in July 2001 did Joyce join her son in Houston. Mindful of his upbringing, Van Exel delivered turkeys to underprivileged families every Thanksgiving in the city where he played. He also took families with single-parent mothers on a Christmas shopping spree each year. Van Exel spent last season as the Spurs' backup point guard. Bothered by bone spurs in his left elbow, Van Exel said he intended to retire after the season. Dutt said Van Exel recently had begun to rethink those plans, "but that was before this happened. I don't know what he'll do now." "We're saddened by Nick's loss," Spurs general manager R.C. Buford said. "The thoughts and prayers of the Spurs' organization and players are with him." Funeral arrangements are pending. Joyce is expected to be buried in Wisconsin. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sad story, prayers are with you man
I have seen his Beyond the Glory segment. He was REALLY close to his mother. My prayers are with him and I hope he recovers from the obvious pain this will inflict in his life.
