Joyce Helen Stallins

Joyce Helen Whitmore Stallins was the third of seven children born in Hot Springs, Arkansas to the union of Virgil Edward Whitmore and Joann Davis Whitmore. She received her Christian name at ten weeks of age in Haven Methodist Church and was a member there until leaving her birthplace, in 1956.

Joyce attended Douglas Elementary School and Langston Junior/Senior High School in Hot Springs, graduating in 1956. She graduated from Riverside School of Nursing 15 March 1964. On 20 May 1973 she received an Associate in Applied Science degree from Oscar Rose Jr. College in Midwest City, Oklahoma. She received a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree from Southwest Texas State University on 18 August 1979 and a Master of Science in Health Professions degree on 14 August, 1982.

Joyce was an Air Force wife and a Department of the Army civilian for more than 35 years. Together, she and Floyd traveled throughout the United States and Europe. She and her family attended services at the Protestant Chapel wherever stationed. After moving to Live Oak, Texas, she joined Resurrection Baptist Church and was a member until her death, serving in the Usher’s Ministry and the Intake Ministry and a member of SALT (Senior Adults Living Triumphantly) Ministry. Joyce loved her family and enjoyed preparing and sharing Sunday and holiday meals with them. She was also an avid football fan and a season-ticket holder for the Judson Rockets Varsity team for more than thirty years.

Joyce was predeceased by both parents, three brothers; Virgil Edward Whitmore, Jr., Carlos Whitmore and Lawrence Garner, two sisters, Gloria Irene Whitmore and Sarah Elizabeth Whitmore Washington, and by her grandson, Joseph Manuel De Mello. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Floyd Hamilton Stallins, her daughters; Karen Lucero (Wilfred {D}), Gwendolyn Joann Stallins and Denise Renee Stallins, her granddaughters; Karen Marie De Mello, Carmen De Mello-Thompson, and her great-granddaughter, Summer Lucille Thompson, her brother William Whitmore, her sister, Reverend Dr. Patricia McCullum, and many nieces and nephews.

Joyce was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by her family, friends, church family, and community. We love you.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.colonialuniversal.com for the Stallins family.