Joyce JoAnn Whitley
Joyce Whitley of Holliday, Texas, passed away surrounded by her family on Sunday, May 16, 2021. Her graveside service will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 20, 2021, at the Breckenridge Cemetery under the direction of the Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home.
Joyce JoAnn Ward was born in Rotan, Texas, on October 9, 1944, to James and Madel Ward. She was one of four children raised in Lamesa, Texas. Joyce spent most of her life in Lamesa before moving to Breckenridge in 1996.
She met and fell in love with Mitchell Whitley. They married on June 14, 1962, and raised two sons together, Glen Whitley and James Whitley. Joyce was a registered nurse and worked for the Medical Arts Hospital in Lamesa. Upon moving to Breckenridge, she worked as a home health nurse and enjoyed serving both communities. Joyce retired from nursing in 2009.
During retirement, Joyce enjoyed spending time with her sister, Pat Sanders. They loved painting and playing cards. She took care of her father, James Ward. More than anything, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and sharing in their many adventures.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Mitchell; parents, James and Madel Ward; and one sister, Pat Sanders.
Joyce is survived by her two sons, Glen Whitley, and James Whitley and wife Melinda; grandchildren, Kortni Nowlin and husband Bryan, and Michael Whitley and wife Jody; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Larry Ward; and one sister, Brenda Crawford.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation in Joyce’s name can be made to a charity of the donor’s choice and can be left at the Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home office. Condolences can be made online at meltonkitchens.com
