Juanita Joyce Byers

Juanita Joyce Thomas Byers,88 of Spearman passed away on Friday, December 5,2025.  Viewing will be on Monday, December 8, 2025, 2:00p.m.-9:00p.m.,Tuesday December 9,2025,9:00a.m.-9:00p.m. with a family visitation from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home in Spearman.  Graveside service will be held on Wednesday, December 10,2025 at 11:00a.m. at Hansford Cemetery with Keith Hight  and Rev. Byron Potter officiating.  A memorial will be held at 1:00p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Spearman with Keith Hight  and Rev. Byron Potter officiating.  Arrangements are under the direction of Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home of Spearman.

Joyce was born January 23, 1937, in Bent County, Colorado to Emory and Alice (Meader) Thomas. Joyce lived with her parents and sisters at the homestead 30 miles S.E. of Las Animas, attending a one-room school until moving to town to finish high school. Joyce married Benny Byers between Sunday school and church on June 6, 1954. The couple moved to Spearman, Texas, where they became faithful and active members of the Apostolic Faith Church.

With three babies in tow, Benny and Joyce attended Bible College in Baxter Springs, KS. After graduation, they returned to Spearman where their family grew with challenges placing Joyce between church and state on issues when babies are not born perfect. Joyce took extra care of her special babies and touched many lives through her journey -- long hours of medical procedures on her baby girl and many years of Satellite School, Special Olympics and building awareness of Down Syndrome for her baby boy.

Joyce was an avid seamstress and spent many hours sewing and quilting. She and her children always had new clothes rivaling any top-of-the line clothing store. Joyce especially loved quilting. From quilting bees with her sisters in Christ to quilting classes where she developed special friendships she was always willing to share tips and tricks as well as her faith in God. 

Joyce was always active and acquired many cherished friends. She participated in Bible studies, Cowboy Church, church camps, Vacation Bible Schools, and community events where she shared her crafty talent. She especially enjoyed her time as President of the Rainbows and Wranglers Square Dancers. 

Joyce is survived by sisters, Mollie Doyle of Santa Fe, NM, Lena Bellomy of Lamar, CO and Sylvia Hasui-Bourne of Pueblo West, CO. Children - Sharon Mach of Salt Gap, TX, Bernie Byers of Shelbyville, IN, Carolyn Byers of Spearman, TX, Alvin Byers of Spearman, Becky Keating of Topeka, KS and Marvin Byers of Spearman. Son-in-laws Paul Fitzsimmons, David Keating and daughter-in-law Becky Byers. Grandchildren Daniel Mach, Derrick Byers, Lori Byers, Haley Byers and many bonus children, grandchildren and numerous cherished nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; sisters Ann Marie Thomas, Charlene Johnston, Lenna Howerton, Betty Yergert, Donna Stoker, and Lorna Wilkerson; brother David Meader; children-in-law Donnie Mach and Patti Byers; and grandson Jeremy Mach. 

In lieu of flowers, family requests donations in memory of Joyce Byers to the Panhandle Down Syndrome Guild or the Hansford Hospice.