Joyce LaVelle Rodgers was born Feb. 24, 1934 to Charlie Virgil and Lilly Claire (Martin) Smethers. She entered into her heavenly home Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 in Jacksboro at the age of 86 years old.

She married Billy James Rodgers on June 26, 1952 in Weatherford. They were married 61 years at the time of his death.

Joyce and Bro. Billy, as he was known, served the Lord together at Calvary Baptist Church in

Graham before they made the move to Jacksboro in 1966. There they founded Bible Baptist Church which continues to carry their legacy today, serving Jacksboro and the surrounding communities.

She loved working crossword puzzles with a glass of Chocolate Milk, working in her yard, reading a good book and woodworking in her workshop. As a nurse, she took care of many during her times at Jacksboro Nursing Center and Jack County Hospital, now Faith Community Hospital. Joyce would retire from nursing after over 20 years after the death of her daughter, Connie.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bro. Billy Rodgers; a daughter, Connie Nunley; sisters, Louise Carroll, Lessie Thouvenal and brothers, Johnny Smethers and Charles Leroy Smethers.

Survivors include her daughters, Vicki Tillery and husband James of Jacksboro; Pam

Dodson and husband Ed of Perrin; five grandchildren B. J. Nunley and wife Roberta; Angela

Lowrance and husband Ace; Jace Tillery and wife Nina; Rebecca Berend and husband Quentin; Emily McKinney and husband Jake; twelve great grandchildren, Caleb, Lathan,

Ashlyn, Jaron, Brynlee, Braxton, Faith, Brystol, Brittany, Jayd, Brazos, Gage and Lyndee and

2 great great grandchildren, Gracelyn Jo and Gatlyn (who will make his appearance in February)

Memorials may be made to Bible Baptist Youth Group, 241 W. Live Oak, Jacksboro 76458

Visitation was held 6 -7 pm Friday, Oct. 16 at Bible Baptist Church.

A funeral service was held Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020 at Bible Baptist Church.