Ellen Joyce Waits

“Joyce” absolutely loved life and she lived every day with a happy heart and a soul filled with kindness. Ellen was mostly known as “Joyce” across Texas and Louisiana, but she will always be “Mom” or “MarMar” to her closest friends and dearest loved ones. Joyce was born to Sam and Kathleen Woods on April 20, 1935, in Rockdale, Texas. She was 86 years young and surrounded by family at the Christopher House when she passed away on May 27, 2021.

MarMar was preceded by her sister Dorothy Ebach-Boyson and her three brothers: Charles Woods, Bill Woods, and Obie Don Woods. She is survived by her four children: Kathy Waits McLeroy, LeeRay Waits, Michael Gerald Waits, and Randy Artron Waits; her seven grandchildren: Mack Lindsay, Chris & Michelle Lindsay, Jason Waits, Jordan Waits, Ryan Waits & Addie Oscher, Michael Waylon Waits, and Sarah Maurine Waits; and three great-grandkids: Raymond Waits, Jameson Waits, and Kate Lindsay. MarMar adored and cherished this family more than anything else in the world. She also loved Jesus, slot machines, softball, bingo, Christmas, and Coca-Cola Classic.

Joyce attended Austin High School where she met Rayborn Artron Waits. They married on May 26, 1952. Rayborn and Joyce traveled across America together as they were both integral participants of the original B.A.S.S. fishing tournament series. Joyce also ran the offices for R.A.Waits Plumbing Company, and then at R.A.Waits Rentals. She worked hard to support her family all while she was a relentless SUPER-MOM. Joyce was a PTA and Home-Room Mom, sponsor for Y-Teens, and a member of the Crockett Athletic Booster Club. MarMar had a deep compassion for people with disabilities and she was always willing to helping anyone in need. She would offer money or prayer to strangers and family just the same.