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Joyce DeVaney Obituary
Joyce was born August 1, 1940, to Elmer W. and Cecil B. (Pyburn) DeVaney on their homestead near Progresso, NM. She graduated from Corona High School and attended Eastern New Mexico University and the University of Arkansas before earning her PHD in Entomology from Texas A & M University in 1976.
Joyce worked for the USDA in Mission, TX as part of the screw worm eradication program. She retired in 1991 from the USDA at College Station, TX then moved to Melrose, NM where she built a new home on 280 acres. Among the many activities that filled her life after retirement was some extensive travel to places as far away as Thailand, Vanuatu, Korea, and Africa. Joyce was able to take her mother with her on several trips to see new places, family, and old friends.
Joyce was involved in her church and community. She enjoyed helping the Aggies for Christ and many times provided visiting students a place to stay. Not only did she help the young, she often took elderly people to their doctor appointments or to get groceries, played cards with them, and cooked for others. She was a substitute teacher at the public school in Melrose and also served as a school bus driver. She loved watching the kids compete at school sports.
Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Elsie Cosby and husband Gerald Cosby, and her brother, Dick DeVaney.
She is survived by three sisters: Helen Towell and husband Delbert of Abilene, TX; Cleo Wersonick and husband Ross of Rio Communities, NM; and Fern Snow and husband Ronnie of Zephyr, TX. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Carolyn DeVaney of Melrose, NM, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver, 2707 S Lamar St., Denver, CO 80227
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joyce DeVaney
Sponsored by Steed-Todd Funeral Home & Crematory.
5 Entries
Kathryn (Sikes) Cox
May 8, 2017
It was a great shock to hear of Joyce's death. She had a great shoulder for many, many people on which to lean.
She was a great friend to me as was her sister Elsie Cosby.
My sincere sympathy to the sisters, family, and friends left behind.
Kathryn (Sikes) Cox, Elephant Butte, NM
Christina Allen
April 24, 2017
We were very saddened to hear about Joyce's passing.
Joyce was so good to our mother and we will never forget her kindness. We only met Joyce a few times, but will always remember her great cooking at Thanksgiving when we visited our mom in Melrose.
She took mom to the doctor and watched over her with great care.
Joyce will always be remembered for her great giving and care.
The Family of Reida Guinn
Lewis Toland
April 18, 2017
I fondly remember summer visits with the DeVaney family at the ranch near Cedarvale and Joyce's visits in our home in Portales while she studied at ENMU. Her firm faith was always apparent, especially at the Church of Christ Bible Chair. She lived well as a testimony to the Lord whom she loves.
April 18, 2017
My Sincere Condolences To The Family.
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Steed-Todd Funeral Home & Crematory800 E. Manana Blvd, Clovis, NM 88101
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