Joyce Autry Obituary

Description: Joyce Autry Obituary... Our Heartfelt Condolences To Her Loved Ones...

September 6th, 1930 - December 28th, 2024

Obituary

Joyce Autry, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and cherished friend passed away peacefully on December 28, 2024 at the age of 94 in Omaha, Nebraska. She was born on September 6, 1930 in Anson, Texas on the family farm to E.L. and Irene Carpenter. Joyce’s family lived in several different places while she was growing up and landed in Dimmitt, TX where she met her future husband and graduated from high school in 1948. She then attended a year at Wayland Baptist College before moving with her parents to Weslaco in the Texas Panhandle. In December of 1949 James drove over 700 miles from Dimmitt to spend Christmas with Joyce and her family. On Christmas Eve the couple were driving around town when James spotted a jewelry store. He pulled over and said “I’m going to buy a ring, let's get married Thursday.” They were married on December 29, 1949 and Joyce passed away one day short of their 75th wedding anniversary. What a celebration they must have had.

The couple went back to Dimmitt where they farmed and began their family, which included the birth of three children-- son Kelly, daughter Joyce Lynette, and daughter Luanne. In 1963 they purchased the Owen Bacon Ranch in Crowley County. In 1965 they purchased the McGlothlin Farm west of Rocky Ford and moved their family to Colorado. In 1974 they sold the farm and moved to town.
Joyce lived a life marked by deep faith, unwavering devotion to her family, and a spirit of kindness that touched everyone she met.

Her love for Jesus and others was evident in everything she did. As a wife, she was a steadfast and loving partner to her husband James. She was by his side through it all – cooking meals for harvest and cattle branding, running for parts and doing just about anything she could do to help while maintaining their home and running after their three children. Joyce was an accomplished seamstress who made most all hers and the girls clothes. She loved working in her beautiful flower beds and was an avid reader. Joyce and James created a life rooted in faith and family, hard work, good food, love of community and lots of laughter.

A favorite memory for many who knew Joyce is the warmth of her kitchen, where she prepared delicious southern meals that brought her family and friends together. Joyce had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome and her home was a gathering place for good times and sweet memories marked by the comfort of being surrounded by loved ones, and the wonderful smells and tastes of black-eyed peas, fried okra, fried chicken, and pecan pie-- just to name a few.

In addition to being a wonderful cook for her family and friends-- cooking was also Joyce’s ministry, as she believed in using whatever talents the Lord gave you for His glory. She was always taking food to people in their time of need to show her love for them and for the Lord. She also taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for many years and served the church in many different ways. She was a member of the Valley Community Church and attended StoneBridge Christian Church while living in Omaha.

Known as Mimi to her grandchildren she was a proud grandmother who found great joy in watching her grandkids and great-grandkids in all their activities. She could often be found cheering them on at ballgames, music concerts, rodeos-- any activities they were involved in-- sometimes until late at night. On more than one occasion, the family had to sneak her back into the care home after she had stayed at double-header games until 11:00 p.m.! Her love for her grandchildren was boundless, and she never missed an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments.

In her later years her health started to decline and it was hard for her to accept help. After all, she had always been the one giving help. But through it all, she remained the gracious, kind-hearted person she had always been. She often expressed gratitude to her caregivers and family, always saying "thank you" for their love and support. Her gentle spirit and sincere appreciation for the care she received were an inspiration to all who cared for her.

She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her, but her memory will remain a source of comfort and strength and her life an example of devotion and selfless service. Joyce’s life was a beautiful reflection of the love she gave to others, and her spirit will continue to shine through her family and all whose lives she touched.

She is survived by her daughters Joyce Lynette(Steve) Soden of Omaha NE and Luanne(Greg) Gallegos of Blackhawk. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Brandon(Amy) Soden and Stefanie(Dave) Rowe of Omaha NE, Trent Autry, Kimbra Autry of Odessa TX, Whitney(Steve) Carruth of Seattle WA, Kristy(Adam) Garcia of Thornton CO, Dana(Connor) Clark of Richmond TX and Alan Gallegos of Houston TX and her great-grandchildren: Brooks and Crewe Soden, Dekker and Tucker Rowe, Zoe and Morgan Autry, Tayla Gonzales and Anthony Garcia along with many nieces, nephews and friends who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her husband James, son Kelly, daughter-in-law Debbie, parents, sisters Pat Carpenter and Floyce(Jimmy) George, parents-in-law, three sisters and brothers in-law, two nieces, one nephew and countless others who welcomed her home on the other side.

Memorial donations may be made to Valley Community Church, 27435 County Rd 22.75, Rocky Ford, CO 81067 or a charity of your choice.

Services held on Sunday, January 12th, 2025 at 2:00pm at Valley Community Church. Bellwood Ustick Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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