Joyce Marie "Yates" Hendricks

Joyce Marie Hendricks, 72, of Shelbyville, Texas, passed away on arch 7, 2026, in Center, Texas. She was born on May 4, 1953, in Center, Texas, to the late Jack Yates and Helen (Holt) Yates.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026, from 5-7PM at Mangum Funeral Home, 420 San Augustine St., Center, Texas.

Funeral services will be held at 11AM on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, with Bro. Todd Jenkins and Bro. Kevin Windham officiating. Interment will follow at Strong Cemetery.

Joyce Hendricks was a beloved wife, momma, mawmaw, sister, aunt, and friend. Above all else, she was a woman whose greatest joy in life was her family. She treasured every moment spent with her children and grandchildren and filled their lives with love, laughter, and warmth.

She shared 51 wonderful years of marriage with her husband, Verbon. Together they enjoyed the simple pleasures of life from planting their garden, putting noodles out to catch fish, and watching out their living room window at the birds coming to the feeders, or riding their buggy to visit family and friends. Those quiet moments together were some of her happiest. Mawmaw enjoyed frying fish for Easter and hiding eggs for the kids to find, especially the ones with the money in them.
Her pride and joy were her children, Luke and Kim. She would always say "watcha know good?" Then would laugh about old memories from years past, new gossip, or simply catching up, she always loved hearing their voices. Kim kept her updated on the kids and everything happening in Joaquin, while Luke knew she would be calling whenever a new calf was born and enjoyed keeping her up to date with his work.
Her grandchildren were the light of her life. She shared a special bond with her first grandchild, Jackson. He would ride the bus to Mawmaw's on Friday and stay the weekend. One of his fondest memories was sitting on the porch with her and talking while he waited for the bus on Monday morning. Jayden knew Mawmaw would always have a big batch of all-you-can-eat pancakes ready when he came in from hunting or fishing. Jaylee loved standing on the riverbank fishing with Mawmaw, while Kyleigh enjoyed telling her all about her shopping adventures and showing off what she had bought. Kayson visited Mawmaw and Pawpaw almost daily on the side-by-side to check on them and make sure she didn't need anything. Mawmaw was always ready to do anything he asked. Kayson and Pawpaw would often make a plan for what they wanted to eat, and Kayson made sure their order was put in. Her love for her grandchildren was as big as Texas.
Joyce's home was always filled with love and the comforting smell of something delicious cooking in the kitchen. Cooking for the people she loved was no easy task as everyone had their own special request. Her specialties included deer steak, dumplings, home made fries, and her famous Cool Whip cookies.
Black Friday shopping was always an adventure. This one particular year we went to Longview and over bought. Carriston told her we would make it fit, only to realize it wasn't going to fit, she laughed and said "now what are we gonna do?" with her hands on her hip. We required reinforcement and had another vehicle brought to us. Every year after that we would always laugh and ask how many vehicles did we need to take. One of Joyce's most memorable adventures was when Kim, Carriston, Jaylee, and Kyleigh surprised her with a girls' trip. They told her to pack a bag and get in the car. For five hours she guessed where they were headed, and it wasn't until they were almost to the Missouri state line that she finally realized they were going to Branson. She was so excited. From sitting front and center at the concerts, to being the Queen of the Riverboat at the captain's table, to enjoying dinner overlooking the lake, she loved every minute of that special trip.
Joyce's kindness, warmth, and unwavering love created memories that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered for the love she gave so freely and for the strong family bonds she helped create.

She is survived by her husband,

Verbon Hendricks

Sons,

Luke Hendricks and wife Carriston

Bryan Hendricks and wife Jordan

Daughter,

Kim Cater and husband Jeff

Brothers,

Terry Yates and wife Linda

Billy Yates and wife Janet

Sister-in-law,

Thelma Hendricks

Grandchildren,

Jackson Cater

Jayden Cater

Jaylee Cater

Kyleigh Hendricks

Kayson Hendricks

Brylee Hendricks and fiancé Julian Gutierrez

Bailee Leslie and husband Jacob

Kalla Hendricks

Great-granddaughter,

Fletcher Leslie

Numerous nieces and nephews

Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Helen Yates; father and mother-in-law, Luther and Connie Hendricks; brother and sister in-laws, Prentice Hendricks, L.E. Hendricks and wife Ima Hendricks.

Pallbearers serving will be Craig Hendricks, Ron Hendricks, Puncho Elliot, Ronnie Jones, Glen Jones, and Joel Jones.

Honorary pallbearers serving will be Alvis Buckley, O.L. Hendricks, Hunter Hendricks, Ashton Ryder, Seth Hendricks, Sawyer Hendricks, Jon Jones, Jared Jones, Jason Balkcom, Drake Jansen, Michael Pate Elliot, Jeremy Yates, and Brant Ranft.