Joyce Catherine Badon
In Loving Memory of Joyce Catherine “JC”, “Sissy”, and “Little Lamb”
Joyce Catherine, a beloved daughter affectionately known as “JC,” “Sissy,” and “Little Lamb,” was called home to join her Bridegroom, Jesus Christ, on Friday, July 4, 2025. She graced the lives of her family and friends for 21 radiant years, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, faith, and brilliance.
Joyce Catherine was born on November 3, 2003, to Kellye Hanks Badon and Ty Badon, in Beaumont and was received with joy and thanksgiving.
Joyce Catherine was a soul who danced to the rhythm of her own heartbeat and gently encouraged others to do the same. From an early age, she was confident in her mind and choices—cultured, well-traveled, and endlessly captivating in conversation. Friends and family described her as sentimental yet light-hearted, intelligent beyond measure, deeply compassionate, and the kind of person who illuminated every room she entered. She had a warm sense of humor that added levity and charm to her presence. She saw the world through a lens of wonder and helped others do the same.
She delighted in exploring cities, countries, towns, and islands with her family, making lifelong memories at each stop. One of her greatest joys was planning the next adventure—most recently, dreaming up our next trip to Europe, with her heart set on discovering hidden gems and local treasures.
For thirteen years, she studied piano with Shari Griffin, often surprising party guests by slipping behind the piano and filling the air with joy. Her love of music ran deep—she knew the lyrics to songs across generations and genres. Her speaker and record player—gifts from her father — were among her favorite possessions, filling her room with sound and soul. The vinyl collection she built, encouraged by Ty, thrilled her; each record held stories and memories she cherished. Ty and JC also shared a love for Charlie Brown and the quiet beauty in life’s little moments.
Her relationship with her brother Nick was steadfast and loving. Their bond shone in his unwavering determination to find her during the tragic flood, and their joyful memories—including a humorous squabble over her cherished Pinocchio toy from Italy—remain treasured family stories.
Her mother Kellye was privileged to nurture her many passions: spontaneous trips to Santa Fe to study Pueblo culture, afternoons wandering the MET in New York, shopping for vintage treasures, decorating with bold colors, and supporting her desire to try new experiences—each memory stitched into the vibrant tapestry of their life together.
During her time at Kelly High School and her internship with Labiche Architectural Group, JC discovered a love for art and design that led her to pursue a degree in architecture at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). With distinction and honors, she completed her junior year in May and aspired to earn her master’s in architecture from Tulane University.
Survivors include her parents, Kellye and Ty Badon of Beaumont; brother, Nick Badon of Winnie; maternal grandmother, Joyce Hanks of Port Neches; paternal grandparents, Madeline and Rodney Badon of Fannett; uncle, Kyle Hanks and his wife, Mendi, of Groves; aunt, Kim Hanks Freeman and her husband, Ernest, of Houston; cousins, Dustin and Austin Hanks and Madeline, Matthew, and Gracie Freeman.
She is preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, L.B. Hanks.
The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of prayers, support, and love from people at home and all over the world. Some walked the riverbanks beside us, tirelessly searching for Joyce Catherine and the three other children, while many others lifted us in prayer, offering strength and comfort when it was needed most. The Badon family’s bond with the families of the three children is sacred, etched forever into their hearts.
At 4:00 a.m. on July 4, JC’s final words were, “Tell my parents I love them.” And to their precious Little Lamb, her family says: we love you too, Baby Girl, and know that it is well with your beautiful soul.
A gathering of Joyce Catherine’s family and friends will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025, at Wesley Methodist Church, 3810 North Major Drive, Beaumont.
To honor JC’s life, at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 19, 2025, a Mass to celebrate her joining the Wedding Feast of the Lamb will be held at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica, 700 Jefferson Street, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.
Afterwards, the family will host a joyful luncheon in her honor—feasting, laughing, and dancing to her expansive playlist at The Venue at Belle Oaks, 15075 Country Club Drive, Beaumont. Come to the party—all are welcome. There will be plenty. In true JC fashion, wear whatever makes you feel your best. Any leftover food will be shared with those in need, just as she would have wanted.
There will be a private celebration at a later time for the friends and schoolmates of Joyce Catherine, Aidan, and Ella hosted by the Crenshaw family.
A private family committal service will be held in the future.
Memorial contributions may be made to 1) All Saints Episcopal School, 4108 Delaware Street, Beaumont, Texas 77706 give online 2) Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School, 5950 Kelly Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77707 Mail check – Attention Business Office, Memo – Joyce Catherine Badon 3) Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) give online for the Designation tab select Joyce Catherine Badon Memorial Scholarship or mail check to Ali Evans, SCAD Giving, P.O. Box 3146, Savannah, Georgia 31402 4) Wesley Methodist Church, 3810 North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77713 give online or 5) St. Anne Catholic Church, P.O. Box 3429, Beaumont, Texas 77704 give online.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Wesley Methodist Church
- 3810, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- July 18, 2025
- 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Mass to celebrate her joining the Wedding Feast of the Lamb
St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica
- 700, Jefferson St, Beaumont, TX, 77701,
- July 19, 2025
- 10:00 am
Joyful Luncheon in Her Honor
The Venue at Belle Oaks
- 15075, Country Club Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77705,
- July 19, 2025
- 12:00 pm
Ty and Kellye, my heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Such a beautiful young soul departed this earth way too soon. Trust and believe that God has welcomed her Home, may God Bless The Badon Family and give you peace and comfort. Keith LeJune
Fly High with the Angels Sweetie…
Kelley know that we at GTRW are all praying for you, Ty and Nick. We are here for all of you if you need anything. Elaine
What a beautiful girl, who, from all I have read, was just as beautiful on the inside. Ty, you, Kellye, Nick, and your entire family have been, and will continue to be in my thoughts, and prayers. Thank God you are a family of faith. Apparently, He must have needed another angel. May God rest her beautiful soul and bring comfort and strength to all of you as well.
Kellye,
We are so sorry for the loss of your sweet daughter. She was a beautiful young lady. We will keep your family in our prayers.
Kellye, Ty and Family, We are so very sorry for your tragic loss. What a beautiful daughter on the inside and outside. Our heartfelt prayers and uplifting thoughts going to you today and in the future. Becky & Rodney
Ty, Kellye, and Nick,
Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute to your loving daughter and sister. I can imagine what an extraordinary person she is through each and every word that captures the beautiful memories you shared together, as well as through knowing Ty. May you find peace and comfort in God’s way. You are in our prayers and thoughts.
My heart grieves with you for the loss of your beautiful and talented daughter. Strength, comfort and encouragement will come from holding God‘s hand as you walk through this unimaginable journey. I had the pleasure of meeting your daughter a few times when she came to Austin Texas to stay with Julia and her family. She was sincere, friendly, beautiful, and so excited about all of their futures. They loved SCAD, Savannah and their roommates. They shared a lot of funny stories. I know she’s running around heaven in her heavenly body with the angels and sketching the many mansions He will build for us. Julia will truly miss having Joyce as a roommate, but feel so fortunate to have spent the time that she has been given to form that foreverfriendship. To that relationship, I give my tribute so Joyce‘s name will go on at SCAD as an example to follow for one who left her mark and left too soon.
Ty, Kellye & family,
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. It is obvious that Joyce Catherine was a beautiful person with a huge heart and a contagious zest for life. I pray for your healing and comfort. I pray that the wonderful memories of her will sustain you and give you peace. She will live on in your hearts forever. XO
There are no words to express for the loss of a child.
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your family.
I never personally met Joyce but from reading her obituary she had a tremendous love for her family and friends that won’t be forgotten she will be missed even by those who never met her
Ty & Family, Prayers and love and hugs from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. JC is on our hearts and in our thoughts and prayers, as are you, and everyone who loves her. May you find comfort in knowing she is with Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Please know we are heartbroken and grieve with you. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted”
I’m terribly sorry for your loss and I know not
Hung we say can help but believe your faith and hope in Christ & his love for you all and Joyce will carry you in his. loving arms . Praying for peace. and assurance of that hope and love,
Mrs. Kellye, Mr. Ty & Nick,
I am so sorry for your loss. Although I did not have the pleasure of meeting Miss Joyce Catherine, I know she was a beautiful soul. Please know that your family are in my prayers, sending you peace strength and courage during this difficult time. – Angel
I’m terribly sorry for your loss and I know not much we say can help but believe your faith and hope in Christ & his love for you all and Joyce will carry you in his. loving arms . Praying for peace. and assurance of that hope and love,
Sending you so much love right now and huge hugs.
Kellye & Ty,
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Joyce Catherine’s vibrant spirit, giving nature, her passion for architecture, music, and exploring the world, alongside her academic success, truly made her a remarkable young lady. Your unwavering faith and the love with which you raised her are a testament to the beautiful legacy she leaves behind. While her absence is profoundly felt, may you find comfort in knowing that Joyce Catherine is now at peace, embraced by the love of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our thoughts and prayers are with both of you and your entire family during this difficult time.
Love always,
Brenda Land Griner & Charles (Chuck) William Land III
Kellye & Ty,
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Joyce Catherine’s vibrant spirit, giving nature, her passion for architecture, music, and exploring the world, alongside her academic success, truly made her a remarkable young lady. Your unwavering faith and the love with which you raised her are a testament to the beautiful legacy she leaves behind. While her absence is profoundly felt, may you find comfort in knowing that Joyce Catherine is now at peace, embraced by the love of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our thoughts and prayers are with both of you and your entire family during this difficult time.
Love always,
Brenda Land Griner & Charles (Chuck) William Land III
To the family of Joyce
May the LORD our GOD bless your family during these difficult times. May HIS love fill your family with peace and comfort. This has been a tragedy for all of you every time I’m see the news and rescue I sit and cry and pray for all of you Know that Joyce is with JESUS in his arm of love and peace. May God Bless you all and bring you peace. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
RIP Joyce C. 🙏🏻🪽🤍🕊️
My deepest condolences to her family.
Ty and Kellye, we are heartbroken at the loss of Joyce and those with her. There are no words strong enough to convey our deepest sadness and sympathy, but we know she is with our lord and savior. All of you are in our prayers.
We are sending many prayers to you all and your beautiful Joyce Catherine. We are heartbroken over your loss.
Our love and prayers in this time of sorrow . May our Heavenly Father shower you with peace knowing JC is in His loving arms.
Deepest sympathies and condolences.
Luke and Chona
We send our deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers to you and your family during this time. May God’s love and strength bless and heal your heart~
I met Joyce in my last year teaching at All Saints, she was in Ms Morris’ 1st grade classroom. She had a kind heart. Her kindness and generosity were clear when she gave me a gift. In that small gesture, she gave me more than I can express in words. I am so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Sarah (Emfinger) – Morgan
Praying for God to comfort you all and give you the strength to get through this difficult time. Not knowing you personally but followed the unimaginable events and prayed for a better outcome. Joyce sounds like she was an amazing young lady who will surely be remembered for her gifts to the community.
My heart hurts for you. The world is a poorer place without your beloved daughter in it. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Ty, Kellye, and Nick –
Joyce Catherine will always be our sweet “sissy” next door on her tricycle following her grandparents around the farm. I have such sweet memories riding bikes, feeding the ducks, and porch-swinging with her and Nick. It was a pleasure to grow up alongside them next door. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
All of my love, Michayla
As word came out about this tragic event, we were hoping and praying for a safe return. To the family, please, accept our deepest condolences during this hard and unimaginable time. May, your daughter rest in peace.
The Cepeda Family
May the angels greet her in paradise. What a beautiful memorial. God bless you and your family as you carry on without her earthly being. ( gsk heritage family)
Kellye, Ty, Nick and the extended Hanks and Badon families,
You all have been and remain in our thoughts and prayers. Kellye, your faith and strength are a true inspiration. May Joyce Catherine be rejoicing in Heaven where one day you will be reunited with her. Know she is your angel, looking over you. We pray also for all other people affected by the storm, as well as the first responders, rescuers and support teams. May God bless you all.
Mary & Wiley Alexander
No words, only silent prayers and broken hallelujahs. Continuing to hold you all close in prayer.
My heart breaks for y’all. Our team is still on the ground trying to bring closure to those families whose loved ones are still missing. Our thoughts and prayers and with yall.
My sincere condolences and thoughts are with you .. I’m sure she is wrapped in Gods arms .. I never met this beautiful girl .. but the tribute to her makes me believe she was a light in this world .. the people in my circle and community in New York and I believe in all the states .. sympathize in your grief
Kellye & Ty,
Heartfelt condolences for you on the loss of Joyce Catherine. May you always feel her love wrapped around you. Rest in peace sweet child of God.
I was blessed to be part of Joyce Catherine’s first years at All Saints. My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you. May God comfort your family and bring you peace as you celebrate her beautiful spirit. Sending love!
May her soul rest in peace! May the angels welcome her into heaven ❤️
My deepest condolences to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at such a difficult time. She be missed by everyone that knows her.🖤
Ty, Kellye and Nick
Joyce will forever be in the presence of the master architect learning, loving and in awe of his great kingdom.
Please know we are praying your family’s strength and peace.
Melody and I will always remember Joyce Catherine’s infectious smile and incredible spirit! We are also praying for your family to find peace in this time of loss. May God bless you all…
Our Condolences to The Hanks & Badon family; May the memories you’ve shared with Joyce Catherine , and the love the family have for each other lives on is our prayer
Ty and Kellye,
Our hearts ache with you in this time of unimaginable loss. Joyce Catherine was a beautiful light, and though her time here was far too short, her life touched many and will never be forgotten.
“The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”
— Deuteronomy 33:27
We are praying that God’s arms hold you close, and that his peace and strength carry you through each day.
With love and deepest sympathy,
Clayton and Jill
Your family does not know me, but seeing all of this news come to our area is absolutely heartbreaking. I want to offer you and your family my sincerest condolences. May peace be with you.
Very sorry for your loss. Never got the honor of meeting your sweet daughter. Prayers to you all in this difficult time.
Words are hard to find but know you are in our thoughts and prayers. May you find peace and comfort in knowing your daughter is with Jesus in her eternal home and you will be united in Heaven. Sending our love❤️
Ty, Kellye, & Nick,
My heart goes out to you & your family. I pray that God will comfort you & give you strength in your time of sadness. I wish I were there to give you all a big hug. Such a sweet & precious soul Joyce Catherine, the Lord has welcomed her with open arms.
We lift Joyce and her family up in Prayer.
We will always love and miss her.
Kellye & Ty,
Words cannot express how sorry Shelly and I are for your loss. We love you guys.
Carl
Dear Ty, Kellye, and Nick,
It is evident that you all have been given the grace of God during this passing on of your beloved daughter. I know God also has showered Joyce Catherine with this same grace and His unending love. We love you all so much.
Sincerely,
Janna and Enrique Gussman
My heart aches for you and your family. Words just can’t express, but please know many are praying for the peace only Jesus can provide.
Ty & Kellye,
There are no words that can fully express the sorrow we feel for the heartbreaking loss of your precious daughter. Please know that our hearts are with you in this unimaginable time. We are grieving alongside you and holding you in love, prayer, and deepest sympathy.
Deepest condolences,
Lee and Robin Williams
So sorry to hear of her passing. I enjoyed having Joyce in class at Kelly along with her friends. She is such a sweet young lady! God bless her family and friends.
2 Timothy 4:7-8
Ty, Kellye and Nick, I’m so broken hearted for you all. Praying for peace and comfort. I always admired your family, always one of the best families I’ve known. I’m so thankful to have known your family. ❤️
Mr. and Mrs. Badon and Nick,
We are all heartbroken over the loss of your precious daughter. Praying for your hearts at this very difficult time.
Sincere condolences to the family. Joyce Catherine was very compassionate, and her presence will be missed. 🙏🏻
Ty, Kellye and Nick:
My prayer for each of you is to know there is a village of prayer warriors behind you. You know I loved Joyce Catherine and her sweet precious personality. It was my honor to be one of her teachers. May God hold each of you.
Ty and Kellye, I never had the pleasure of meeting your beautiful daughter. She I now with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I have cherished my association with Ty and his family for years and hard to find a better group of folks.
Prayers for the peace that passeth all understanding.
Praying Jesus holds you more closely than ever, and covers you in unimaginable peace.
We offer our sincere condolences to the family of Joyce Cathrine..Prayers for comfort and strength during this time and the days to come..May you be comforted knowing she is in the presence of the Lord & you will see her again..God bless you..
From Fort Worth, Texas