Joyce Laverne Stamp Watkins passed away on August 28, 2018 surrounded by her family. Joyce was born in Ft. Worth, TX on September 19, 1924. She was the daughter of C. T. and Nadine Stamp. She graduated from Riverside High School in 1941 and continued her education at Draughon Business College.
She met her husband, E. H. “Buck” Watkins, on a blind date at the President’s Ball for President Franklin D. Roosevelt on January 30, 1942. They were married June 12, 1943 while Buck was serving in the Navy. They lived in Norman, OK; Jacksonville, FL and Ft. Worth, TX before moving to Midland for the first time in 1947. Joyce was a medical secretary that worked for many local doctors along with Midland Memorial Hospital. After retirement, they moved to Lago Vista, TX in 1986. Joyce and Buck returned to Midland in 2001. In 2014, the devoted couple celebrated their 71st Wedding Anniversary.
Joyce was a proud member of First United Methodist Church and the Fellowship Sunday School class. She enjoyed playing bridge and reading. She was a lifetime member of the Thomas Club, Twentieth Century Study Club, En Amie Book Review Club and several bridge clubs.
She is survived by two daughters, Judy Spruell and husband John “Jake” of Midland, TX , Jill Faulder and husband George “Bud” of Ft. Worth, TX, sister Jean Wolfe of North Richland Hills, TX and niece Deena Cashion of Pennsylvania. She is also survived by grandchildren, Jennifer Neill Young and husband Erik of Houston, TX, Ben Deweese and wife Leigh of Dallas, TX and Blair Deweese Erwin and husband Trey of Houston, TX. Joyce had five great grandchildren whom she adored: triplets Gracelyn, Maddison and Raegan Young of Houston, TX, Jefferson Deweese of Dallas, TX and Carlisle Erwin of Houston, TX and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 31, 2018 at Ellis Funeral Home. A graveside burial will follow on Saturday, September 1, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Resthaven Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made in Joyce’s name to the Fellowship Class of First United Methodist Church of Midland, TX or Methodist Children’s Home in Waco, TX. Online condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com.
