Joyce Anne Thomas

February 9, 1956 - November 23, 2015

Joyce Anne (Juarez) Thomas "I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection," said Leonardo da Vinci. Surely, one of those whose character da Vinci praised could have been Joyce Ann Thomas, who passed away in College Station on Monday, November 23, 2015, at age 59.

Born February 9, 1956, on Fort Riley, Kansas to Delfino Juarez and Mitsuko Osaki Juarez, Joyce grew up in nearby Junction City, Kansas. There, Joyce attended school, made the cheerleading squad and was elected homecoming princess. After graduating from high school, Joyce enrolled in Kansas State University-only a half hour from home-where she received her Bachelor's Degree.

Later, Joyce met Dr. Casey Thomas and married him on June 11, 1982. The couple so enjoyed spending time together that they partnered at home in raising their daughter, Natalie Thomas (now of College Station, with husband Bryce Rasco), and at work, where Dr. Thomas attended to the patients of his veterinary practice while Joyce managed the office and staff there. Quietly, she smoothed over any trouble that arose in the animal hospital, consistently addressing concerns with her diplomatic leadership style.

In her local community, Joyce was also a member of the Lady Troopers Regiment at Junction City, as well as the First Christian Church. In the final eighteen months of her life, Joyce decided to leave Kansas and settle in College Station, to join her daughter's family and help raise Natalie's two children, Grayson and Aubree. The Rasco family now finds comfort in the fact that Joyce spent this blessed time in their home. They remember her thoughtful, soft spoken nature and her loyal friendship, as does her church family at Brazos Fellowship in College Station.

Memorial Services for Joyce Thomas will be held Saturday, November 28, 2015, at 11:00 am at Hillier Funeral Home (College Station Chapel), with Pastor Ronnie Roberts of Junction City, Kansas officiating.