Thelma "Joyce" Kirk

Thelma "Joyce" Kirk
January 10, 1931 - December 18, 2021

Thelma “Joyce” Kirk was born in McGregor, Texas on January 10, 1931 to Malion Augusta Brackney and Eula Lee Knight. Her father Mailon became ill and passed away when she was 7 years old. Her paternal grandmother Mary Brackney then raised her, while her younger sister Vera remained living with her mother, Eula.

Joyce later moved to Waco and met Billy Kirk, whom she married on October 1, 1948. They remained living in Waco, Tx. and raised their 4 children there. They were married for 67 years prior to Billy passing away in November 2015. She worked a number of years as a meat processor and wrapper in local grocery stores and later in life she worked at Cox’s Department store where she retired after 10 years there.

She was loved and cherished by all her family and although she had a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was always affectionately referred to as “MOTHER” by all generations.

After marrying Billy, she joined the Church of Christ and continued to attend church throughout her life. To those who were closest to her, she was known as a very loving and devoted wife and mother. She always stood up for and protected her family, no matter what challenges they faced.

Had a Very Spiritual Nature
Joyce had a very spiritual nature and often sensed when any of her children were in distress even as grown adults. She spoke often of her experience at 7 years old when she and her sister were told they had the same disease as their father and would not live beyond 6 months. She remembers being prayed for at that time and she and Vera being healed miraculously through the love of God. The story made the Waco Tribune newspaper in 1938.

Joyce also loved gardening, working around the home, and attending family get-togethers.

Preceded in Death
She was preceeded in death by her parents, Malion Augusta Brackney and Eula Lee Thornton of Waco; her sister, Vera Blomquist and brother-in-law Richard of Waco; and infant sister, Dorothy Faye Brackney.

Her Family
Joyce is survived by her children, Connie Smith and husband Wayne of Lorena, Sandra Permenter and husband Bobby of Laguna Park, Abbie Grillo and husband Carl of Waco, and Russell Kirk and wife Teresa of Waco, and grandchildren; Michael Frillou and wife Kiki of Axtell, Kevin Frillou and wife Martha of Corona, CA., Shane Frillou and wife Stacy of Oglesby, Theresa Eldridge of Lacy-Lakeview, Douglas Eldridge and wife Roxanne of China Springs, Kelly Gervais and husband John of Lorena, Kelvin Jenkins and wife Jennifer of Golinda, Kristen Gregor and husband Paul of Merritt Island, FL., as well as 44 great grandchildren, 20 great-great grandchildren, 2 great-great-great grandchildren and three nieces.

Funeral and Visitation
Visitation at Oakcrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Blvd., Waco, Tx., will be on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 from 5:00 to 7:00pm.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, December 23, 2021 at 9:00am with burial at Rosemound Cemetery to follow.

Memorials may be sent to the Parkinson’s foundation at Parkinson.org

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