On Wednesday, January 6, 2021, Joyce Dell Wood Williams, loving wife, mother of four, grandmother of eight, and great-grandmother of fourteen plus one on-the-way, passed away at the age of 88.
Joyce was born on September 22, 1932, in Wellington, Texas to Rudell and Lou Ellen Wood. While in high school she served as a Class Reporter and she always remembered the first time she saw Gaston Williams. He was working at the local drug store in Wellington where she would order a Coke. Joyce always knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to act. She asked Gaston to the Teen Town dance and they soon grew inseparable. On June 24, 1951, she married Gaston L. Williams. They had four loving children Hope, Fanchun, Perry, and Shylan.
Joyce loved music. She loved the melodies and rhythms but most of all she loved to sing. She had a strong desire to become a famous singer and she sang with the best, even the “King”, Elvis Presley. There is no doubt with her firecracker spirit and having never met a stranger she would have risen to the top. As with any path you show God you want to walk down, He will always take you by the hand and lead you down his path instead. Her walk with God led her to become the most revered wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother anyone could ever hope for and she will forever be remembered as “Mama Joyce”.
Mama Joyce was preceded in death by her father, Rudell, her mother Lou Ellen, and brother Tommy Wood.
She is survived by her husband Gaston, her four children Hope Hodge, Fanchun and Kenny Little, Perry and Nancy Williams, Shylan and Carl Birdsong, her eight grandchildren Sunny Hodge-Campbell, Seth and Lindsey Williams, Lexis and Sam Schwarzlose, Noah and Jamie Williams, Orry and Tayrsa Birdsong, Arielle and Adam Blanchard, Shylana and Tyler Enos, Eden and Ethan Walker, her fourteen great-grandchildren Ellen Campbell, Stone and Sydney Williams, Addelyn and Asher Schwarzlose, Andrew, Will, Benjamin, and Zoe Williams, Bennett King, John Thomas, Henry and George Blanchard, Levi Enos and one on-the-way, Beau Walker. She is also survived by her loving and adoring sister Vicky Harris, nephew Johnny Harris and wife Amy their children Landon and Lexi, brother Ronn Wood, and sister-in-law Dorothy Wood and family. She is also survived by many other family members near and far.
A funeral service will be held Friday, January 8th, 2021 at Hillside Christian Church located at Hillside and Soncy at 1 o’clock p.m. Mama Joyce requested a party when she passed. In lieu of traditional black clothing, please wear bright colors to celebrate her colorful spirit.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.
Joe,
I don’t know if I knew you or not. I am Joyce’s little sister. I was just wondering if we are cousins. We have so little family on our Dad’s side.
There was no one else like her! She was truly the BEST!
I’m sure my Mother was at the gates of Heaven waiting for her. I’m sure they are planning a party for when we will be together again. RIP Moma Joyce. I was Blessed to have known you all my life. My prayers, love and thoughts are with Gaston and all the family. Heaven gained a beautiful singing Angel.
One of the greatest women I’ve ever had the privilege to know. Will forever remember the wonderful times at the Big Texan. She’s leading the singing and dancing in heaven.
My heartfelt sympathy to all the members of Mrs. Williams’ family.
Her obituary is a beautiful tribute to a life well lived. As you share fond remembrances of her, may your sorrow be lessened. I pray God gives each of you comfort in His most loving way.
My condolences to the family. Mama Joyce had a wonderful and exciting life to be envied by all. May your happy memories of her console you during this time.
I’m a long time friend of her brother, Ronn.
Fanchun , I have great memories of your Mama Joyce and your family. Our prayers are with you and your family as you celebrate your Moms life and what she meant to all of you . She’s with Jesus and no better place to be!
Sandy and I will never forget the bright light Joyce brought to our church services so many years ago. She always gave me a big hug and called me “cousin”. What a wonderful lady!
Judy and I are sorry for your loss. We are praying for the Williams family.
Our deepest sympathies to all the Williams Families. What a
tremendous legacy the matriarch of this wonderful family &
company leaves behind!! So blessed to have worked for them
for almost 50 years. Indeed one of the most entrepreneurial
families of Amarillo past, present, & future. Very honored to
have known and worked for them all these years.
Bobby Corns & Family
Bobby, Carolyn, Catherine, Nathan, Khloe,
and one more Granddaughter on the way
in April
Joyce is rejoicing with Jesus in heaven where we all join her one day for the most joyful party ever. Praying the memories of your spectacular mom will comfort your family daily. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Tina & Steve Davis
Our hearts are with you during this difficult time. Please know that our family is praying for you all
Our deepest sympathy
Darryl and Kathy (Duncan) McAlister
Jason, Nick, Jenny, and Duncan
From our family to yours, thinking of you during your difficult time and praying for comfort.
Sankovich family
She was so sweet to me,I didn’t get to know her, I would like to Bless her for her next life ahead!
Deepest Sympathy to Shylan and your family. Prayers for peace and comfort during this time and the days ahead…….
Praying for the family.