Joyce Whatley

Joyce Fisher Whatley passed on to her Heavenly life on November 25, 2017, in Burleson, Texas. Joyce was born on January 28, 1930, in Pelican, Louisiana to Jack and Mae Fisher, where she grew up with her four sisters and one brother, Maureen, Jackie, Bertha, Jeanie and Jack Junior. Joyce left Pelican, Louisiana in 1954 and found her way to Odessa, Texas where she met and married her soulmate, and the love of her life, Carl Benjamin Whatley. Carl and Joyce were married in Odessa, Texas on December 9, 1966. Joyce became a Mother for the first time once she and Carl were married, welcoming a son, Steven Russell and a daughter, Tina Latayne, from Carl's previous marriage. On June 11, 1969, Carl and Joyce adopted another son, Robert Wayne Whatley.

Joyce attended Odessa College, while working in the oil and gas industry, where she would embark on life-long career as a secretary, administrative assistant, and Vice President. Joyce began working for Meither Machine Company in 1955 and officially retired in 2016, as Vice President of SWECO Industries. Joyce's professional career would span six decades and through that time, Joyce was blessed to build so many relationships and enjoyed being around all the wonderful people she worked with.

Joyce was very active in the community of Odessa. She was the long-time secretary for the Northside Senior Center and never missed a dance on Thursday nights, until she moved to Burleson in 2016. Joyce loved to dance. Joyce was a long-standing member of the Frist Baptist Church in Odessa, Texas. Joyce could also be found every afternoon after work, walking around the Music City Mall, to get her exercise in and visit with all the people that she knew there. Joyce never met a stranger and her generous, caring nature allowed her to make friends with anyone.

Joyce enjoyed sports, particularly basketball and baseball, as there was always a game on she would watch. Joyce enjoyed flowers and gardening was her favorite hobby. Joyce enjoyed going to Ruidoso, New Mexico regularly and could always be found playing the slot machines and enjoying the horse races in the summer.

Joyce was deeply rooted in her faith, and her relationship with the Lord, Jesus Christ, was the most important thing to her. Joyce's faith and devotion to Jesus Christ, was present in everything that she did and the kind words that she would speak.

Joyce is preceded in death by her father, Jack Fisher, her mother, Mae Baker, her sister, Jackie Smith and her husband, Carl Whatley.

Joyce is survived by her son, Steven Russell Whatley of Odessa, Texas, and his family, daughter Tina Waller and her husband, Brent Waller of Bay Town, Texas, and their family, and her son, Robert Whatley of Burleson, Texas. Joyce is also survived by her sister, Maureen Kelly of Pelican, Louisiana and her family, sister, Bertha Stevens of Pleasant Hill, Louisiana and her family, sister, Jeanie Branch of Minden, Louisiana and her family, and brother, Jack Fisher Jr of Pelican, Louisiana and his family. Joyce is also survived by five Grandchildren and seven great Grandchildren.

Joyce and the family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Community Hospice of Burleson, Texas and to Texas Health-Huguley for their wonderful care and support.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 29, 2017 from 6:00-8:00 pm, at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, November 30, 2017 at 1:00pm. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Arrangements are entrusted to Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home. To send family condolences please sign her guestbook at www.sunsetodessa.com.

Visitation

Family and Friends Gathering

Sunset Memorial Funeral Home
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
6:00-8:00 pm

Service

Funeral Service

Sunset Funeral Home Chapel
6801 East Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762
Thursday, November 30, 2017
1:00 pm

Cemetery

Sunset Memorial Gardens
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762