Joy Kay Vazquez

Joy Kay Vasquez passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, in Abilene, Texas, at the age of 81. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Fry-Smith Funeral Home in Tuscola, Texas. Funeral services will take place at Windham Family Chapel in Ovalo, Texas, on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., followed by interment at Tecumseh Cemetery.

Joy Kay Vasquez was born on May 14, 1944, in Coleman, Texas, to Jack and Frankie Lee Hancock.

Joy graduated from Jim Ned High School in 1962 and attended Texas Tech University, where she began her lifelong dedication to education. A gifted and passionate teacher, Joy taught junior high English in Lubbock, Austin, and Ysleta, inspiring generations of students with her patience and creativity. Later, she taught Spanish at the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara in Mexico. During her years there, she co-authored a book on English as a Second Language with a colleague-an accomplishment that reflected her deep love for language, culture, and learning.

In 1970, Joy married the love of her life, Ernesto Vasquez, and together they built a life full of adventure, family, and faith. They lived in Guadalajara for 19 years before returning to Texas, where they spent many years in Laredo. In January of this year, Joy returned to her beloved family ranch-a place she cherished deeply. She loved sitting on the back porch, watching the animals, and taking in the beauty of nature.

Joy was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT), serving faithfully in several capacities within each organization. She was also the family genealogist, preserving her family's rich heritage for future generations.

Above all else, Joy loved Jesus with all her heart and burned to share the gospel. Her faith was the guiding light of her life, and her compassion and kindness touched everyone she met.

Her family was her greatest blessing. She is survived by her husband, Ernesto Vasquez; sons Carlos Vasquez and wife Carolina of Spain, and John Paul Vasquez and wife Esther of California; and her treasured grandchildren Carlitos, Andres, Jimena, Joaquin, Valentina, and Santiago, who were her pride and delight. She is also survived by her sister, Jackie Henry of Tuscola, and many loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Frankie Lee Hancock; her stepmother, Keva Hancock; and her beloved stepsister, Dena Ivey.

Joy was a devoted member of the Baptist church, and her passion for the past decade was the Windham Family Chapel, which she lovingly worked to restore and rebuild as a place of worship and family connection.

Joy Kay Vasquez will be remembered for her faith, warmth, wisdom, and unwavering love for others. Her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched as a teacher, mentor, friend, and devoted servant of Christ.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Windham Family Chapel Restoration Fund or to a charity of your choice.

"Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your Lord." - Matthew 25:23