She was born in the small, East Texas town of Elmo on April 9, 1932, and married Vaughn Baird on August 28, 1949 in Wichita Falls. As a devoted wife and mother, she made her home in Central Texas where she raised three sons, dearly loved three daughters-in-law, cherished twelve grandchildren, and took delight in four great-grandchildren. She traveled across the country and around the world with her husband and inspired his faithful love over 63 years of marriage. She is beloved by her family for her steadfast pursuit of faith, her kindness and humility in service to others, and her gentle spirit. To her grandchildren, she leaves a wide-ranging legacy that includes biblical lessons and an unfailing belief in the power of healthy food. Those who knew her marveled at her sense of style, her encyclopedic knowledge of God’s word, and her charitable acceptance of the cows that grazed in the front lawn of the family farm. She was a member of Temple Bible Church and a model of Christian humility for everyone who treasures her memory.
She is survived by her husband Vaughn Baird (Temple) and siblings Gwynne West (Temple) and Shirly Jo Williams (Austin). Her children are Thomas Baird and wife Cindy (Temple), David Baird and wife Kathy (Temple), and Byron Baird and wife Rosemary (Belton).
Her grandchildren, who have received many handwritten cards encouraging them towards lives of faith over the years, include: Suzannah Smalley and husband David (Temple), Jordan Baird and wife Brianne (Houston), Zachary Baird and wife Charlotte (Salado), Jeffrey Baird (Houston), Julianne Baird and LauraLee Baird (both of Temple). In addition, Lauren Baird and husband Robert Trottmann (San Antonio), Michael Baird and wife Colleen (Oakhurst, CA), Katherine Thomas and husband Michael (Gaithersburg, MD), and Andrew Baird and wife Jenni (Oakland, CA). Also, Addie Baird (Austin) and Audrey Baird (Belton).
In recent years, Joyce welcomed four great-grandchildren. Helen and Huck Baird Trottmann (San Antonio), Elliot Baird (Oakhurst), and Hugh Smalley (Temple, TX) are blessed to inherit her example of prayerful living.
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