Joyce Brewer Martin

Joyce Lavern Brewer Martin, a true firecracker with a heart of gold and Arkansas grit that never quit, finished her race surrounded by the love she so freely gave. Born on October 12, 1941 in Mena, Arkansas to Ethel and Bert Brewer, she moved through life with a feisty spirit and a strength that defied her small frame.

For 35 years she was the devoted wife of Bill Martin. Together, they built a life on family and their son, Mark. After Bill's passing, she found a wonderful companion in John Latimer. For many years, she and John traveled the world, shared adventures, and poured their love into their sons and their families: Mark and Ashley, Donnie and Tammy, and Tommy and Renee. Her three grandsons, William Martin, Jackson Latimer, and Lucas Latimer were the absolute lights of her life. She was their biggest fan, never missing a chance to watch them play sports or take them on fun playdates that created a lifetime of memories. Joyce was a mainstay at First Floors Carpet One, where she worked until retirement. She truly loved going to work every day and the team there treated her like royalty, a title she earned through her hard work and dedication. A faithful member of the First United Methodist Church of Rowlett, she drew great strength from her bible study class and her brothers and sisters in Christ.

To know Joyce was to know a strong heart. She fought like nobody's business and loved even bigger. She was preceded in death by: her parents, Bert and Ethel Brewer, her husband, Bill, her companion, John, and her 3 siblings, Johnny, Doyle, and Faye who are undoubtedly greeting her in heaven with open arms. Her greatest legacy however, is her son, Mark. He was the apple of her eye. She lived and breathed for him through every high and low. She was a mother who knew when to yell and exactly when to hug, teaching those around her - especially her daughter-in-law, Ashley - the true meaning of maternal love. Ashley credits Joyce with teaching her how to be a mother, a love she carries forward to her son, William (aka Boogie).

She leaves behind a family that will forever miss her firecracker energy including her son and daughter-in-law and grandson, her nieces and nephews whom she loved with all her heart and her lifelong best friend, Carol Utley. Together, Carol and Joyce raised their sons and shared every joy and sorrow life brought their way.

I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7