LaJoyce McBee

December 7, 1931—April 1, 2026

La Joyce “Joy” Martin McBee peacefully closed her eyes in the early morning hours of April 1, 2026. She opened them in Heaven and saw the nail pierced hands and sword pierced side of her Savior, Jesus Christ, which she longed for in her final days.

Joy was born on December 7, 1931, to O.B. Martin and Merle McCormick Martin in rural McCullough County Texas. She vividly remembered the attack on Pearl Harbor and readily shared her memories of the “Day that Lives in Infamy,” which happened on her 10th birthday. She grew up in Doole, Texas and graduated from Melvin High School in 1949. She began studies at a nursing school, but soon married Wilton Wayne McBee on May 7, 1950. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on May 7, 2000. They moved to Lubbock, Texas in 1953 where they established a family. Bruce Lynn McBee was born on March 15, 1955, and Barry Wayne McBee was born on February 20, 1957. After moving to Hereford for a brief time, a daughter, Barbara DeAnn McBee Drake was born on December 19, 1963. They moved back to their 38th street residence in Lubbock, where they resided for the remainder of their lives until both of their passings.

Joy worked as a seamstress, making clothes and embroidery for her family and friends. She worked in retail at Hemphill Wells, with a special gift for gift wrapping at Christmas. She soon became an insurance saleslady for American National, going door to door to sell policies and collect premiums. She retired to homemaking in the 1980’s, helping Wayne with his furniture refinishing business until his retirement. Later in life she became a real estate investor with residential properties and a commercial property.

Joy was a dedicated member of Southcrest Baptist Church since 1988, teaching an elderly ladies Sunday School class in the early 1990’s. While raising the kids, she was active in church youth group activities, lady’s bible studies, and the church benevolent committee. She was also an active supporter of Samaritan’s Purse and gave and prayed for a church plant in Brazil, even up to her passing.

Joy is survived by two sons, Bruce (Bridget) of Lubbock and Barry of Big Spring and a daughter, DeAnn (Jon) of Lubbock. Joy loved her five grandchildren (Jason, Justin, Chandra, Austin & Abby) and she reveled in her eight great grandchildren (Brooke, Jensen, Ava, Landry, Leighton, Addison, Jackson & Watson). Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband Wayne in 2002, four brothers and one sister, numerous relatives, friends and neighbors she shared 38th street with for the last 63 years.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to Lubbock Meals on Wheels or Samaritan’s Purse.