Joyce Caraway

Joyce M. Caraway, age 83 of Kerrville, passed away Wednesday, January 20, 2016. She was born May 10, 1932 in Mobile, Alabama to Cleabon and Velma A. (Sumerlin) Smith. \r\n \r\nOn March 4, 1950, she married Thomas Roy Caraway in Biloxi, Mississippi. Joyce was a faithful wife to Tom for 54 years, until his passing in 2004. She was a loving and nurturing mother, grandmother and great grandmother. All of the grands called her PePa.\r\n \r\nJoyce was a devoted friend to many. She would seek out people who needed a friend and then care for them in many special ways. If you were one of Joyce's "special friends" you were loved indeed. \r\n \r\nJoyce had a 40 year career as a nurse (LVN) working with an orthopedic surgeon in Hattiesburg, Mississippi and Dr. Mike Martin and Dr. Greg MacKenzie in Kerrville. Her "caring heart" touched many lives in those doctor's offices.\r\n \r\nShe had a second successfull career as a Mary Kay sales associate. Joyce turned customers into friends and would minister to her new friends as the Lord would lead her.\r\n \r\nJoyce was an American Patriot. She loved our country, especially the Armed Services. She would serve home cooked meals to servicemen that were a long way from their home.\r\n \r\nJoyce volunteered at the Dietert and St. Vincent De Paul resale shops for several years, where she made many close friends.\r\n \r\nThe Lord Jesus Christ was her savior and the guiding force in her life. Joyce loved the church and served the Lord in many ways throughout her life.\r\n \r\nJoyce was loved by family and friends and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Her "earthly life" was all about serving others. But now, through eternity, her every need will be met by the Heavenly Father.\r\n \r\nShe is survived by sons, Steve Caraway (Deanna) and Mike Caraway, both of Kerrville; grandchildren, Blake Caraway (Kristy) and Matthew Caraway (Echo), all of Kerrville; great grandchildren, Mackenzie, Grant, Davis, Claire, Reagan, and Hannah. \r\n \r\nServices will be held Wednesday, January 27, 2016, 2 PM at Trinity Baptist Church officiated by Rev. John Wheat. Burial will be held privately.\r\n \r\nPallbearers will be Blake Caraway, Matthew Caraway, Scott Blair, Keith Winslow, Mart Hanna and Jessie Hinton. Honorary pallbearers will be Frank Hutchinson and Jack Kimble.\r\n \r\n