Friday, April 25, 2025
Joyce Anne Rose, age 95, of Gatesville, flew away home to Jesus her Savior on March 21, 2025, listening to her favorite hymn, I’ll Fly Away. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Monday, March 31, at Scott’s Funeral Home with Charles McKamie officiating. Interment followed at Evergreen-Bundrant Cemetery.
Joyce Anne was born on Sept. 10, 1929, to Samuel Henry and Mattie Olean Bates Faubion in Evant. She was the oldest of four daughters, making her the big sister to Nell, Marsha, and Glenda. Growing up a country girl during the Depression, she lived a simple life. She loved good food, country and gospel music, western shows and movies, John Wayne, and Elvis.
Joyce Anne was a loving mother who was known as Mimmy to her children and grandchildren. She was a natural beauty, a wonderful cook, a meticulous homemaker and later in life managed a restaurant. Joyce had a beautiful voice, singing in a country band in her younger days. She was a talented artist, creating beautiful sketches and drawings. She loved animals, especially her dogs. She lived in several states, including California, Montana, Virginia, and Florida, but she always came home to Texas.
Joyce Anne was preceded in death by her parents; children, JoAnne Bates Akers, Sammy Don Bates, and Larry Truman Bates; granddaughter, Leigh Anne Huntington; sister, Lena Wynell Blanchard; nephew, Michael Blanchard; as well as other family and loved ones who have gone on before her. What a glorious reunion they are having!
She is survived by her two sisters, Marsha Kaye Gurley and Glenda Gail Berry and husband, Lloyd; grandchildren, Tomi Akers, Wendy Carter, Kitsy Thompson, Patrick Akers, Mistina Picciano, Tiffany Bates, Ashley Vann, Bobby Bates, Michael Bates, Lori Kompas, Austin Bates, Branden Bates, Aaron Bates, and wife, Veronica, Deanna Bates, and Taylor Bates; and numerous great-grandchildren.
She is also survived by nieces and nephews, Kimberly Haines and husband, Mark, Tammi Shoaf and husband, Ray, Tim Blanchard and wife, Sheri, Tom Blanchard and wife, Tammy, Leisa Bland, Deana Stewart and husband, Doug, Pam Edwards, Chip Edwards, Lorne Culp, and Jason Culp and wife, Dulce.
The family would like to offer their sincere gratitude to the individuals who ministered to Joyce Anne and loved and cared for her at The Meadows the last few years.
