On Saturday, June 13, 2015, God welcomed his precious and humble servant, Anna Joyce Roach Thompson, to her heavenly Home. Her husband, Milton Eugene Thompson, Sr. and her son, Gene Thompson, along with grandson, Tyler Anthony Thompson, were surely waiting for her with open arms.
Joyce was born in Brownwood, Texas, on December 7, 1935. Her parents were D.T. (Bo) and Nora Mae Scales Roach. She spent her life in Brownwood and only left for adventure with her husband, Milton, when they traveled with the United States Air Force. Joyce graduated from Brownwood High School in 1954. She played the trombone in band while at Brownwood High, and she frequently shared with her children her memories of high school and the fun she had. Upon graduation from BHS, she attended Howard Payne College, where she thrived in the Bible and theology classes.
Joyce was a musician. She began playing the piano at a very early age and cultivated her skills while playing piano at church. She was a church pianist by the time she was a teenager and was well-known among church goers as an organist as well. She played the organ for many years at Belle Plain Baptist Church and Early First Baptist Church. Her kids often chuckled with embarrassment over their mom padding around between the organ and the family pew in her bare feet!She was baptized at a very young age at Stoddard Branch Baptist Church and began her walk with Christ early in life. She had fine Christian role models in which to model her life: her grandfather, William Frank Scales and her mother, Nora Mae. Her grandfather lived with their family for many years, and she learned much about her Bible and about the value of scripture at his knee. She was active in church and GAs and assisted in Vacation Bible School throughout her teenage years.
Joyce was one of three children and shared her life with her brother, V. Leroy Roach, and her baby sister, Virginia Louise Roach Healer. Virginia came along just as Joyce was almost grown, but in spite of their sixteen-year age difference, Joyce was very close to Virginia and remained so until her last breathe.
In 1956, Joyce met a handsome young man. Their paths crossed when they met on a double date, each with someone else. It was love at first sight. Joyce cautiously allowed this handsome young man, Milton Eugene Thompson, to court her with gardenias and watermelon, and after holding their courtship at a cautious arms’ length, the couple married one month after they met on July 20, 1956. Their love for each other lasted the test of time, and they enjoyed their courtship for 57 years.
After their marriage, Joyce and Milton moved overseas as Milton continued his military service. They were stationed at Sculthrope Royal Air Force Station. They lived in Warham All Saints near Wales Next-to-the-Sea, Norfolk County, England. They made their first home at The Bungalow, making lifelong friends with the English children in the village. Joyce played with the children daily and welcomed the children into their home. Joyce and Milton received their first bundle of joy, Gene, on July 6, 1958, and flooded the postal service as they sent grandparents photographs of their quaint little family and picturesque England.
Milton’s military service carried Milton and Joyce to Missouri in 1959, and the family rotated from England to Richard Gebaur Air Force Base in Belton, Missouri. They were already expecting blessing number two, Patricia, when they moved, and Patricia entered their lives on April 8, 1960. After a bleak winter and after feeling the call of home, Milton was honorably discharged from the military, and once again the family was on the move, this time on their way home.
Milton, Joyce, Gene, and Patricia set up their lives in Brownwood, much to the happiness and contentment of the proud grandparents. Milton worked with the family business, Thompson Surplus, and Joyce began spiritually building the family’s home. They found a church home at Belle Plain Baptist Church, and although their little family seemed full, it was still incomplete. On a bitterly cold Blue Norther Christmas night, Caroline sneaked into their lives, delivered by her Nannie and her Daddy on December 26, 1962, much to the surprise of Dr. Wheelis.
Over the next fifty years, Joyce and Milton and their family filled their lives with love and living. Joyce continued being very active as a church musician and kept the family active in church. She and Milton were initiated into the Order of the Eastern Star, and she served as Worthy Matron with Milton as Worthy Patron. She also served as a grand officer for the Grand Chapter of Texas, Order of the Eastern Star. Her service also extended to the support of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, where she served as Mother Advisor for Patricia, Caroline, and many of their friends. She went on countless trips with the Rainbows as a chaperone and sponsor to Grand Assemblies and other assembly visits. She devoted many years to the teachings of Rainbow for her daughters’ sakes.
When Milton began making a name for himself in the area of cabinetry, Joyce was by his side, supporting him in every way. The once pharmacy assistant turned telephone company employee turned domestic goddess became a business manager and partner in Thompson’s Cabinets. She drafted and designed kitchens and bathrooms with the female perspective as the most important feature in any design. She mothered the many boys who graced the doors of their business to apprentice with Milton. She and Milton worked side-by-side, a partnership that both treasured.
Joyce spent her life as a warrior for Christ. She knew her Bible backwards and forwards and would often quote scripture to comfort herself in times of sorrow and stress. She would also frequently quote verses from her favorite hymns. When she was no longer able to play the piano and the organ, she would still keep her favorite hymns close to her heart. When Joyce and Milton came to a point in their lives that church attendance was difficult, they would still worship in their home. They sang in their living room and shared devotionals every day. After Milton’s passing, Joyce attended church when she was able and enjoyed communications with her Jewel Sunday School class at Early First Baptist. In the last few months, she would tell the nursing staff that cared for her that she had to get home because she was anxious to be well enough to play again. Joyce even had her favorite televised services that she looked forward to every Sunday. God was always a priority in Joyce’s life, whether it be in times of feast or famine.
Joyce is preceded in death by the love of her life, Milton Eugene Thompson, Sr.; her son, Milton Eugene (Gene) Thompson, Jr.; her grandson, Tyler Anthony Thompson; her parents, D.T. and Nora Mae Roach; and her brother, V. Leroy Roach.
Joyce is survived her two daughters and their spouses: Jim and Patricia Cook of Cross Plains, and Kelly and Caroline Clark of Lubbock. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Betsy Thompson. She leaves behind six grandchildren: Troy Thompson of Fort Worth; J.D. (Jimmie Donald) and Angie Cook of The Colony; Ashley Danielle and Jackie Tennison of Abilene; Macayla E’Lizbeth Cook and fiancé Michael Nichols of Burleson; Kelsey Logann Clark of Lubbock, and Connor Kelaro Clark of Lubbock. Joyce is also survived by five great grandchildren: Courtney Thompson, Kimberly (Kimmie) Thompson, Kaedynn Schneider, Tyler Eugene Thompson, and Mackenzie Joan Cook. Joyce is survived by her sister and her husband, Virginia and Michael Healer of Austin. She also leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and many beloved friends.
Joyce’s life will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, with a quiet graveside service at Greenleaf Cemetery with Bill Slaymaker, officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday, June 15, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Patricia, Caroline, and Troy cordially invite Joyce’s many friends and beloved family members to celebrate Joyce’s life.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Senior Citizen Center or Meals on Wheels.
Condolences can be offered to the family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net.
