Joyce A. Badger

1952 - 2022

Joyce A. Badger

Lubbock, TX - Joyce Annette Napikoski Lisenby Badger, 70, died at home in Lubbock, Texas December 19, 2022. She was born November 6, 1952 in Montague, Massachusetts, the third of five children of Joseph and Ovilina Crochier Napikoski. She grew up in Millers Falls and graduated from Turners Falls High School, 1970. She attended Cornell University and College of Our Lady of the Elms (Chicopee) earning a degree in Social Work. In 1977, she moved to Lubbock.

She continued to follow local news and sports from home, sharing tidbits with family and friends. She first thought Texas looked dry and flat but came to appreciate the beauty her new home had to offer.

Joyce participated in walking, birding, and kayaking, and took classes in local history and archeology. A lifelong learner, she frequently shared things she learned from documentaries, PBS, or The History Channel.

An avid baseball watcher, she rooted for the Boston Red Sox AND New York Yankees, confounding many familiar with that intense rivalry. She also enjoyed NASCAR and attended Texas Tech Lady Raiders basketball games.

She participated in book groups as a voracious reader. She loved mysteries, noting that their conflicts were sure to be wrapped up, a clear difference from the unresolved, intense situations she encountered in her work.

In 1995 Joyce started working with Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at the John T. Montford Prison as a Correctional Health Social Worker. She dedicated her life to the patients there until her retirement in February 2022. During her career, she was recognized repeatedly for excellence and compassion, including receiving the CMHC Quality Service Award, the Above and Beyond Award, and, upon retirement, the TTUHSC Pewter Plate, reserved for truly exceptional team members. Joyce was also active in the National Association of Social Workers for 25 years and received her chapter's award for Social Worker of the Year in 2006 and 2013.

Joyce also ministered to others through her service with Catholic Charities, including a term as president of the Board of Directors.

She married Ken Lisenby and later Bob Badger. While Joyce had no children of her own, she continued her relationship with Ken's daughter Tonya throughout her life.

She loved animals and enjoyed the companionship of pets throughout the years.

Joyce is survived by her siblings: Chester Napikoski of Phoenix, AZ; Blanche Ezold of York, ME; Barbara Merolli of Auburn, MA; and Anthony Napikoski of North Haven, CT; step-daughter Tonya Lisenby Hendley of Lexington, SC; five nieces, five great-nieces and six great-nephews; many dear friends; and beloved cat Taki. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Ovilina.

No services are planned at this time. Cremation arrangements are under the care and direction of Combest Family Funeral Homes and Crematory.