Joyce Rene Bettis

Joyce Rene Price was born on August 29, 1931, in Dawson, Texas to William Newt and Josephine Toten Price. After 33,072 days of life on Earth, she moved to Heaven on March 16, 2022, meeting Leon at the Pass. For all of her existence, she touched lives with love and tenacity while leaving memories of time spent with her. Even those who knew her for the shortest time, loved her dearly.

Joyce was known by many names:

Joyce – by most every family member and friend;

Rene by her brother, one sister, and a select group of nieces and nephews;

Mom, Mother, or Moma by her children;

Grama by her grandchildren;

Occasionally Joyce Rene to make a point from some family members;

And Miss Joyce by the dear people who cared for her for almost a year.

Joyce Price was the Salutatorian of her graduating class at Samnorwood High School. She was basketball captain in high school. She was given a basketball scholarship to Wayland Baptist University and played for one semester.

Joyce was married to the love of her life, Edwin Leon Bettis, beginning their life together February 11, 1950. They traveled far and wide. On occasions when the whole family went, we would get pan-fried chicken. We would stop at a roadside rest stop once we were out of the city limits and eat. Sometimes Joyce would call the children and tell them, “We’re going to go see the leaves change colors. We might be back tonight, but possibly not until tomorrow.” And that was before cell phones, so when they were gone, they were out of touch, and I think they liked it that way. She would carefully pack their favorite beverages and sandwiches in a cooler to eat when they got ready for a break. They took the scenic routes, and they took their time. Because time spent together, was good times indeed.

Joyce knew how important time was. It seemed like she seldom slept. It was late at night that she sat at her sewing machine to sew for the family. She made all of Lynda and Teresa’s dresses and blouses, and a few modern pantsuits as well. Usually they were matching in some way. She even made things for Ron and Barry. Even a son-in-law was the recipient of a nice double-breasted blazer. Each person in the family had an index card with measurements that were updated periodically. She sewed all manner of items of clothing for people not even in the family, who heard of her meticulous work with needle and thread. Once when asked what her mom did, the young Teresa would announce that her mother was a “sewstress” not knowing about the word “seamstress.” This little embarrassing gaffe was smoothed over by Joyce, adopting the adjective for herself.

Joyce knew the significance of time. She used the daylight hours to take care of children around the neighborhood. Those impressionable children would remember Joyce years later, sending her Christmas cards and pictures of their own children. She spent numerous hours making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or hot-bologna sandwiches for lunches for her own children and for those that called her Joyce.

Joyce followed Jesus’ example of using time for others at church. She taught Sunday School for many years to young second graders. She kept the nursery on her allotted days, and any time they needed extra help. She was a part of the adult group who worked behind the scenes in the kitchen area, serving food from Pot-Luck Meal Time. She was a Baptistry Worker helping all ages during pre-baptism with shaky nerves, and then out of the water with a towel ready after. During Vacation Bible time, anyone could find her either teaching a lesson or serving what became known in the family, as Vacation Bible School Kool-Aid, because nowhere else could it be found at quite that mixture of water and Kool-Aid. Another part of her ministry was sending cards for all important occasions to every family member, every church member, and other folks as needed.

Joyce knew that part of her ministry of gifts included giving time to help others learn how to sew and how to make a pattern work. She worked at Cloth World for many years. She cut material, worked the Notion Wall, and ran the cash register if needed. She worked with people to pick the best material, and accessories for the project they desired. And she added to her material closet when bolts went on sale, because sewing for her children, Grands, and Greats was something that made her happy. The year that everyone received Jams for summer wear, was at first embarrassing to some and then a legacy of hand-me downs for years to come.

Joyce also recognized the importance of time with her grandchildren. Many children received the loving hugs and smiles. But she loved her Grands, Greats, and Great-Greats extremely. Saturday mornings would often find the den floor littered with Grands watching cartoons and eating snacks. And to be clear, these times were before remote controls were invented, so the Grands would have to actually walk to the TV to turn the clicky-knob to change the channels. They drove to basketball, volleyball, and football games; choir concerts, band concerts, horse shows and dance recitals. They carried their lawn chairs with them just in case there were no bleachers. Back at home, having a Grand or Great crawl up into her lap to read books with them was a joyous time for her. When they wanted to share a funny video on parent’s phone, she was delighted immeasurably. As the Grands got older, they would show her videos or pictures on their own phones of parts of their own lives. One chore that was not liked, but every Grand, and a few of the Greats took part in at one time or the other, was picking up pears that had been half-eaten by the squirrels and birds in the backyard. Even in the later years when she hurt so very much, she loved having those Littles crawl up in her lap to be close to her heart. She loved with a heart that never gave up.

Our hearts are torn, knowing that our time with her is gone. There will not be any more watching NCIS reruns, long crazy movies, or a good John Wayne movie. She once said John Wayne reminded her of Leon. Knowing there will be no huge choice of snacks in the pantry or cabinet.

And knowing that she will never again say, “Call me when you get home.”

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin Leon Bettis, brother Harvie Price and three sisters Vickie McCulloch, Norma Dee McKelvy, and Bettye Baumgardner.

Joyce is survived by 4 children, Lynda Doane (David), Ron Bettis (Patti), Barry Bettis (Wendi) and Teresa Stanley (Alan); 6 grandchildren, Angie Goodson (Mike), Stacy Davis (Jeremy), Josh Doane (Cynthia), Joi Jenkins (James), Leah Taylor (Christopher) and Keight Raborn (Braley); 13 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren.

If your heart desires, donations to your favorite charity would be appreciated.

The family will receive family and friends at Schooler Funeral Home on Sunday, March 20, 2022, from 12:00 to 5:00.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 21, 2022 at 2:00 PM at South Georgia Baptist Church.