Joyce Williams Spivey

On June 7, 2023, the Lord said to Joyce Marie Williams Spivey, at the age of 73,” Daughter, you have fought a good fight, you have been faithful, come on up and receive the crown that has been reserved for you.”

Joyce Marie Williams Spivey was born in Odessa, Texas to the late Raymond and Argie Lee (Moore) Williams on January 15, 1950.  She was the youngest of two children.

Her developing years included her grandparents: Truman and Bessie Williams, Rose Moore, and great grandparents, Guy and Elizabeth, who were always giving her advice.  Her uncles and aunts showed her how to live and enjoy life: Big Bubba (Clevan) and Bubba (Wyndel) have always inspired her to dress her best.  She never forgot how these uncles, along with Kenneth and aunts, Merlene, Cleo, Dovie, and Vera made her favorite food and share memories and good times.

She was a graduate of Ector High School, class of 1968 and the University of Texas of the Permian Basin with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She retired from Ector County Independent School District after 30 years of loyal and dedicated service, teaching and molding the lives of many students. Her impact on her student(s) was realized even more so in the last days of her life, as one of her 3rd grade students, Levi Stone was her faithful and loving nurse, who called her his hero. She also worked for Exxon Mobil and Bell Telephone companies. She married Judge Eddy W. Spivey on June 26, 1976 and they shared 46 years and 11 months of wonderful marital bliss, sharing family events, traveling, camping (Joyce’s favorite pastime) and just setting an example to others of the true meaning of marriage. He was a faithful caregiver, protector and provider until death did them part. They had 3 loving children who meant the world to them and with whom many fond memories were made. They were also very influential and instrumental in the rearing of their grandson, Ron’dre.

Joyce was very active in her community, always greeting everyone with kind words and a very infectious smile. She was very encouraging to everyone she met and was willing to help in any way. She was a member of the Ector Lioness Club and the Order of Eastern Star. She was a very proud and dedicated member of the Odessa Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.  She was a lifelong member of the St. James Baptist Church, where she served in many capacities including the Usher Ministry, Choir, Business and Professional Women’s Ministry and crafts teacher for Vacation Bible School. She was also very active in her husband’s campaigns, walking and door knocking, providing organization, preparing, and serving meals and whatever it took for him to have a successful and winning campaign.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Roy Williams, Sr., and many other loving relatives and friends.

Joyce leaves to cherish her memories, her loving husband, Judge Eddy W. Spivey; Son, Juan Spivey (Lori) of Brenham, TX; Daughters, Kristi Spivey Johnson (Vaughn), of Antelope, CA; Wyshanna Spivey, of Odessa, TX, and adopted daughter, LaRose Phillips Markam (Ray), of Dallas, TX.; 5 grandchildren, Yanni Jones, Daveon Johnson (Leinani), Amilleon Johnson, Dre’ Anna Spivey and Ron’dre Smith; one great grandson, Davaeon Johnson, Jr.; Godson, Jorrion Wilson (Destini); Sister-in-law, Mari Spivey Willis (Kirk); Brother -in-law, Bobby Joe Dancer; Nephews, Marlon Hall (DeShanna), Lloyd Hill (Hannah), Roy Williams, Jr. (Katie), Tracy Hill (Dana), Courtney Williams,  JaQuay Wilburn (Shay), Victor Dancer, and B.J. Dancer. Nieces, Mariah Strong, Alisha Slider (LaDarius), and Cheyenne Swoopes. She also leaves a host of loving aunts, uncles, cousins, special classmates and friends to cherish her wonderful memories.

The family would like to thank Dr. Gibbons, Dr. Kadir, Dr. Kim, Dr. O’Hearn, Dr. Hembree, Dr. Chappell, Dr. Stockbridge, Levi Stone, RN, and the staff at Texas Oncology.

Public visitation will be Thursday, June 15, 2023 from1:00 p.m – 9:00 p.m, with a family gathering with friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Martinez Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, June 16, 2023 at the St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 2212 E. 11th St., with Dr. James J. Bolton, officiating.  Burial will follow at Rosehill Cemetery.  Arrangements by Martinez Funeral Home.