Joyce Lee Riley Ringo

Joyce Riley Ringo was born August 31, 1953 to the parents of Arthur Riley and Levolier Young. She attended elementary school in Elaine, Arkansas and then middle school and high school in Lakeview, Arkansas. After graduation in 1972 she attended culinary school in Austin, Texas and Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Joyce accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at the age of 8 and was baptized under the leadership of Pastor F.W. William at Old Jerusalem Baptist Church. Joyce moved to Lake Charles and joined the Christian Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Edward Alexander. She worked faithfully as an usher until she became ill and could no longer work.

Joyce enjoyed taking pictures, spending time with family, reading, writing inspirational words, and meditating on the goodness of God. She loved cooking and making people happy. Joyce was a giver; she gave so much of herself to others. She never knew the word no. She loved looking up at the clouds and naming them one by one. She never had any children but she helped raise many nieces and nephews. She was there to help in any area, whether it was financial or babysitting, she was always available to help.

Joyce had a heart of love for everyone that came her way. I can hear her in the tune of the song;

If I can help somebody

As I travel along

If I can help somebody

With a word or song

If I can help somebody

From doing wrong

My living shall not be in vain.

My living shall not be in vain

My living shall not be in vain

If I can help somebody

While I'm singing this song

My living shall not be in vain.

Joyce is survived by her husband of 17 years, Robert Ringo of Lake Charles; Godchild, Audri Moore of Austin, Texas; sisters, Dorothy Franklin and husband MacArthur of West Helena, Arkansas, Linda Barr and husband Jerry of Hutto, Texas, Belinda Parker of Taylor, Texas; and a host of nieces and nephews and her best friend, Josephine Brown Evans. She is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur Lee Riley and Levolier Young; and brothers, Leroy Young, Jerry Hollingworth, and Jesse Young.

A joyful celebration of her life will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 22, 2013 at Christian Baptist Church in Lake Charles under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home. Pastor Edward Alexander will officiate. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Monday. She will have a graveside service under the direction of Brown Home for Funerals at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at Pilgrims Rest Cemetery in Wabash, Arkansas. Words of comfort may be expressed with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.