Joyce Branham

Joyce Lorraine Branham, age 92, peacefully passed away at her home in Lubbock, Texas, on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Joyce was born in Lovington, New Mexico, on May 7, 1933, to parents John Franklin Tomlinson and Sarah Ann Evans.

In her younger years, Joyce was a champion barrel racer alongside her father, John Tomlinson. During college, she was an officer in the Rodeo Club, the Religious Council, the Student Council, and the Band and Choir Club. In her senior year at Southwest Texas State College in San Marcos, she majored in vocational home economics. She also enjoyed square dancing with her husband, Finus Branham, and her sister and brother-in-law, Ralph and Evelyn Homesley.

Joyce was an exceptional steward of God and a lifelong member of the Broadway Church of Christ. She was deeply involved in many charitable organizations, including the Children’s Home of Lubbock, Texas Boys Ranch, and the Junior League of Lubbock. She was also a devoted member of the Order of the Eastern Star for 52 years.

Joyce taught special education in various school districts for 35 years. She taught in Littlefield for 10 years before moving to Lubbock, where she became an integral part of Hardwick Elementary, Wheatley Elementary, and Stubbs Elementary. She also held many leadership positions within teachers’ organizations, including the NEA (National Education Association), TSTA (Texas State Teachers Association), and TEA (Texas Education Association).

The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to Cindy Branham Dickson, Finus Jack Branham Jr., and Tammy Branham Pitzer, who surrounded Joyce with love and care in her final days. Through their selfless service, they reflected God’s grace and reminded us of the power of family and faith.

Joyce was married to Finus Jack Branham Sr. for sixty-nine years, beginning July 10, 1954. She leaves behind a deeply bereaved family who will forever cherish their memories of her. She is survived by her son, Finus Jack Branham Jr. (wife Leeann McCandless Branham); daughters Cindy Branham Dickson (husband Wayne Franklin Dickson), Frances Branham Welch, and Tammy Branham Pitzer (husband Gober Lee Pitzer). In addition to her immediate family, Joyce leaves behind six grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers include Tyler Branham, Zach Hilliard, Gober Pitzer, Stephen Kelley, John Dillon, and Shawn Hill.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Children’s Home of Lubbock at www.childshome.org.