Nellie Joyce Whitehead

Nellie Joyce Whitehead, known as Joyce to all who knew her, passed away on February 17, 2024 at the age of 82 with her children by her side. She was born on August 9, 1941 in Mineola, Texas, to Haskell Lee McCown and Willie Verniece Shelton.

Carrying over from her childhood where she learned the value of hard work and dedication toward any task that needed to be done, she held various positions in retail before finally retiring from the public school system in Sulphur Springs. It should be especially noted that she RARELY missed a day of work.

A devoted member of the First Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs, Joyce found joy and solace in her faith. She was an active participant in her Sunday school class (affectionately named the “Joy Class”), embodying the values of compassion and kindness.

Joyce shared her life with her husband, Junior Whitehead, for 63 years until his passing in 2022. Together, they raised 4 children and were an active integral part of their 2 grandchildren’s lives.

She is survived by her two daughters, LaQuita Brown (husband David) and Suzanne Daigle (husband, Dave) and her son, Robin Ray Whitehead. Her youngest daughter, Ruby Whitehead, preceded her in death.

Joyce was a loving grandmother to her grandchildren, Amanda and Heath Brown and cherished her three great-grandchildren immensely - Tenison, Brady, and Madi. She was especially proud and very fond of her two loving sons-in-law David Brown and Dave Daigle.

Though Joyce faced the profound loss of her husband, Junior, her daughter, Ruby Whitehead, along with her grandson, Heath Brown, she continued to find strength in her family and faith. Her resilience and determination to push through the pain will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Nellie Joyce Whitehead's legacy of strength, determination, devotion, and selflessness will continue through all who knew her. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were touched by her resilient spirit. May she rest in peace, surrounded by the love of those who went before her.