Joyce Marie Fancher
Joyce Marie Boase Fancher, age 84, died in College Station, Texas, on June 12, 2023, of Alzheimer’s with her sweet old gray cat Ruthie next to her.
When recently asked what Joyce’s proudest accomplishment was, she quickly and happily replied, “Raising my girls!”
Joyce was born to Henry Joyce Boase and Marion Scargill Boase on August 31, 1938, and lived the majority of her life in Beaumont, Texas. She was a proud 1956 graduate of French High School where she was a band majorette and on FHS’s very first Buffalo Belles dance team. She later enjoyed helping organize her high school reunions and monthly luncheons with classmates.
Her first love was Elvis Presley, but Leonard R. Fancher won her over marrying on September 6, 1958. Together they had three smart and beautiful daughters that were tirelessly there for her until the end.
During the 1980-90’s, Joyce thoroughly enjoyed working for OB-GYN’s Dr. Henry Clarke, Dr. Doreen Mowers, and Dr. Pamela St. Amand. She loved them and her co-workers along with all the patients she interacted with.
Mama’s favorite times were on her front porch talking and laughing with friends, family, and neighbors along with a glass of wine or coffee in hand. She loved her yoga and exercise classes, Wesley Methodist Church, tending to her flowers, and feeding her backyard birds and squirrels.
Mom was an excellent seamstress making our clothes and Easter dresses as kids as well as costumes for the grandkids. She both lovingly and frustratingly hand sewed thousands of beads and sequins on Christmas stockings for each family member. Then in Joyce’s classic dry humor, claimed she disliked crafts.
Best of all was being MawMaw to her four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. They gave her the best belly laughs whether when they were little kids or as grown adults. MawMaw’s love and pride for them was never ending.
Joyce is survived by her brother, Bob Boase of Kountze, Texas; daughters, Kimbra Bellard and husband, Dr. Mark Bellard, of Bryan, Texas; Susan Ballantyne and her husband, Larry of Boise, Idaho; Karen Walker and husband, Richie, temporarily of Bryan, Texas; grandchildren, Kate Bellard Kurtz and Brandon of Houston, Texas; Kelly Bellard Covelli and Daniel of Bryan, Texas; Tristan Walker and Jackie Hensy of Los Angeles, California; Alex Walker and Sara Fash Walker of Los Angeles, California; great-grandchildren, Caroline and Leo Covelli, and Quentin Kurtz; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents and Leonard Fancher, her husband of sixty-three years.
A gathering of Mrs. Fancher’s family and friends will be from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., Saturday, June 17, 2023, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her graveside service officiated by Dr. Jim Fuller will follow at 1:30 p.m., at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.
Joyce’s daughters would like to thank all the kind caregivers who allowed our family to be present and in the moment with her, helping us to spend quality time with Mom as she declined and transitioned to heaven.
Most of all, Kim, Susan, and Karen would like to express our sincere love and gratitude to our husbands for always being there for us girls these past hard years. First Dad’s, then Mom’s long ALZ journey. Thanks guys, for loving us and your Joyce.
They say Alzheimer’s is the longest goodbye and it’s true. Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 North Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, Illinois 60601 or Click Here.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
- 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- June 17, 2023
- 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Graveside Service
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
- 4955, Pine St, Beaumont, TX, 77703,
- June 17, 2023
- 1:30 pm
I just saw the obituary and I’m so sad about Joyce’s passing. We had so much fun together working Wesley’s garage sale every year. Joyce was a hoot when it came to some of the interesting donations we received. We also took yoga together before Leonard passed away. Keeping you all in my thoughts. Loved your parents ❤️
So very sorry to hear about Joyce.
We had some fun times with her..She sure loved her Ruthie.
Prayers to her wonderful daughters and family..If I had known I would have been there ???????? Just found out today ???????? Love and Prayers
Carole Muzzillo
Kim,
I am so sorry to her about your Mom’s passing. She was a beautiful lady inside and out. Many years of memories at North End/Wesley UMC and volleyball adventures. May the Lord watch over each of you and give you peace in this difficult time.
Kim, Susan and Karen,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom. I so much loved her laughter and giggles. She will always have a special place in my heart and great memories. Just know that you each had a fantastic role model.
So many good memories over a lot of years. It’s sad to say good bye to good friends. My condolences to all the family.
Kim ,I am sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was such a sweet lady and a great mom to all the volleyball girls. My prayers are with you.
Susan and Kim, So very sorry of the loss of your Mom. My hugs and prayers go out to you and your family ???????????? Hold on to God’s love????✝️???? He will carry you through with out a doubt ????
Could not help but think of you today while attending Wesley Methodist Church’s garage sale and remember all the work you did to help get ready for the sale. Rest in peace dear friend. You will be missed.
So sorry to hear that Joyce had passed away. I was the one she called for her travel or her bosses . Always a joy to talk with her . My prayers for your family.
Rest easy Mrs Fancher. May God watch over your family as they mourn your loss. My prayers are with you Karen and the rest of the family ???????????????????????? FHS C/O 83
First and foremost, thank you for trusting us with your mother, or as I called her Fancher. She was so fun to be around. She’d always have that look in her eyes when she saw me walking towards her. She will most definitely be missed. We were the lucky ones to have had the pleasure of knowing her. So thank you again. “Fancher, you behave yourself up there and make sure you wipe the food off of your shoulder” love you and miss you❤️
Thank you Steven, for keeping Mom on her toes. I loved watching her giggle when you tease her! ????
Mark – I am sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother In Law. Your family are in my Prayers.
Thank you Will for your kind words.
I am so terribly sorry to read of Joyce’s death.
She was always so friendly to me at church. I loved visiting with on Sundays. I will keep your family in my prayers.
I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to Joyce’s family! She will always hold a special place in my heart. Besides being one of my mother’s (Cynthia Curry’s) best friends, she was also my favorite nurse at my doctor’s office for many years! Furthermore, she was a dear friend and fellow church member of mine at Wesley UMC for as long as I can remember! I have fond memories of working in the petting zoo at VBS with Joyce! I always loved visiting with her and enjoyed her sense of humor! Joyce reached out to me when my own mother was suffering from Alzheimer’s. I appreciated all of her efforts and prayers during that most difficult time! I know she and Mom are rejoicing together again!
God Bless!
Caren LeMaster
Thank you Patty for your kind words.
Caren, thank you for your sweet response. As you know it’s a difficult time. Mom spoke often of the great friendships she had with your Mom and Dad.
My deepest sympathy to all of Mrs. Fancher’s family and friends. May she rest peacefully. God bless you!
Thanks so much Phyllis for your kind words.
Joyce was such a cool lady. My mom, Mabel truly valued her friendship. Love & prayers to your family.
Thank you Phyllis for your kind message.
Missie, I love your message, she was cool Mom! ????
Our condolences to the family. Joyce was a good friend in the French High days. We haven’t seen her very many times since.
Rest in peace , my memories of you are so sweet ❤️
Karen Kim & Susan,
So sorry to hear about Joyce. I know you guys have been through so much in such a short time w/your Dad, then Joyce. Praying for all of you, and son in laws, her grandchildren and great grands. I feel blessed to have so many great memories of both your Mom & Dad from the time we were small! Love all of you
Joyce was a wonderful friend to me. We had so many fun times. She was funny and had a giving heart. God Bless all of you. Your mother will be missed but keep her memories near your heart. Love to all.
I remember your mom when I was a patient of Dr. Clarkes. When I received bad news on a pregnancy she was there to give me a hug. Joyce was kind, and loving, and always asked about the babies when I would have an appointment for a checkup. Heaven has gained a new angel who is free from pain.
I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet mother.
Rest in Peace Joyce. I have wonderful, fond memories of working with Joyce. She was always so funny. She’s earned her rest fighting that terrible disease. Kim, Dr B, and family sending love, hugs, and prayers of comfort. Love you all