Opal Joyce Babb

Joyce was first and foremost a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker. She was guided throughout her life by her deep Christian faith, which expressed itself in her home life, her active involvement in her church community, and her faithful support of many individuals working in Christian ministries in the US and around the world. Her faith also found expression in her abiding love of music. She studied piano from age four, sang in the church choir, played in the band at Odessa High School, and earned an AA in Music at Odessa Junior College. Starting in her early forties, she took formal voice lessons and became a regular soloist at Bethel Independent Presbyterian Church and around the Houston community. Her death was unrelated to Hurricane Harvey, but one of her last acts was a prayer for those who would be affected.

In addition to her husband Jim, Joyce is survived by her two daughters and their husbands: Genie Babb and James Liszka, of Plattsburgh, New York, and Valerie and Neil Krohn of Littleton, Colorado; her grandchildren Maddy Krohn (a junior at UCLA), Zachary Liszka (New York City), and Alexandra Sutton (Anchorage, Alaska). Other surviving family members include her brother, Billy Guy Brant (Houston, Texas); her brother-in-law Elbert Babb, Jr. (Odessa, Texas); her nieces, Cathleen Brazile, Pat Love, and Benna Babb; and her nephews, Guy Warren Brant and Mike Babb. Last but not least is Conchetta Watson, long-time caregiver for both Joyce and Jim, whom Joyce considered a “third daughter.”

Joyce is predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law Bobbie and Tex O’Neal; her sisters-in-law Nita Brant and Bennie Babb; and her nephew Douglas Allen Brant.

Family will receive friends on Monday, September 18, 2017 from 6:00 pm until 7:30 in the Stateroom at Earthman Funeral Directors, 8303 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77024. A memorial service will be conducted on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at 2:00 pm at Bethel Church of Houston, 825 Bering Drive, Houston, Texas 77057.