Obituary of Joyce H. Williams-Spikes

Joyce H. Thorne Williams-Spikes was born in Bastrop, Texas on August 27, 1934 and was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, May 9, 2016, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Her parents, James Howard Thorne and Rosie Lenora Thorne and sister, Eva Delores Thorne-Samples, preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband, Ernest Spikes, Jr., (Las Vegas, NV); her daughter, Sharon Kaye Hurd (Grand Prairie, TX); three granddaughters, Porsche Hurd (Dallas, TX), Lauren Hurd (Ft. Worth, TX), Benita Hurd Cheatham, MD (Philadelphia, PA); a great granddaughter, Madison Kaye Chambers (Dallas, TX); an uncle, Reverend Lawrence (Mack) Thorne (Cedar Creek, TX); three aunts, Bobbry McDonald, Hazel Harris (both of Cedar Creek, TX), and Lela Thorne (Bastrop, TX) and a host of other relatives, friends and associates. Joyce graduated from Emile High School and Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, TX where she received a Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education. She was the epitome of an educator who propelled many students and friends to successful lives. Working with children was her passion. During her thirty plus (30+) years as a teacher, she taught school in Cedar Creek, TX, Arizona (Indian Reservation), Midland, TX, San Jose, CA, Tampa, FL, and San Antonio, TX. Several years she was the recipient of the Teacher of the Year Award. After retiring, she worked as a home-bound teacher for sick and physically challenged students at all grade levels. She was a reader for students in some Las Vegas, Nevada schools. She was a member of the Teacher Education Association and many local, national, and international organizations and charity programs. She was a faithful member of New Bethel Baptist Church and its choir and was a deaconess. The funeral service will be held at Mt. Rose Missionary Baptist Church, 507 Toliver St., Bastrop, Texas on Monday, May 28, 2016 at 1:00pm. Interment will be at Mount Olive Cemtery, Cedar Creek, Texas (approximately 12 miles or 15 minutes) followed by a repast/meal at Mt. Rose Missionary Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Mt. Rose Missionary Baptist Church Scholarship Program (507 Toliver St., Bastrop, TX 78602) would be greatly appreciated.