With profound sadness, we announce the unexpected passing of Joyce Carter Hill, aged 77, on Saturday, May 11, 2024, in Baytown, Texas. Joyce was born in Durant, Oklahoma, on December 3, 1946, to the cherished late Johnny B. and Mattie Loree Earnest Carter.
A proud graduate of Van Alstyne High School, Class of 1964, Joyce carried her faith close to her heart as a devoted member of the United Pentecostal Church in Paris, Texas. She embodied the purest form of love and care as a dedicated homemaker and a nurturing housewife. Joyce was the heartbeat of her family, always placing the needs of her loved ones above her own.
Her warmth and kindness touched everyone she met, and her home was a haven of comfort and joy. Joyce had a special flair for making life beautiful—whether by crafting the perfect outfit or cooking a favorite family recipe, her hands were rarely still. She also shared her passion for service through her work in retail sales for grocery supply companies.
Joyce’s life was a testament to the strength of her spirit—vibrant and spicy, yet always tender and compassionate. She was a beacon of love, and the best “Nan” anyone could wish for. Her legacy will be cherished by her daughter, Tanisha Waters and her husband, Kevin, of Liberty; her loving grandchildren Lindsey Holcomb and husband Cody, Roman Santiago, Bradley Waters and wife Becca, Brittany Waters, and Hannah Waters; her precious great-grandchildren, Addison, Emma, Jace, Starla, Mackston, Dexton (D.J.), Phoenix, Saleen, and Luke; and her siblings Brenda Carter of Celina, Texas, Buddy Carter and wife Elizabeth of Paris, Texas, and Harold Carter of Little Elme, Texas; and a host of other loving relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband Larry Smith; her late husbands Kenneth Powell and Elvyn Ray Hill; her son Aubrey Keith Smith; and granddaughter Maegann Loree Gray.
Honoring the family by serving as pallbearers will be Charlie Cutshall, Cody Holcomb, Roman Santiago and Bradley Waters.
We will gather to honor her memory and celebrate her beautiful life at a graveside service and committal on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at 1 PM, in Evergreen Cemetery in Paris, Texas, Pastor Jr. Thornhill, officiating.
Joyce’s loving spirit, her nurturing nature, and her joyful zest for life will forever remain in our hearts. She was truly a blessing in the lives of all who knew her and will be deeply missed.
To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.