Joyce Ellen Wilbanks

Joyce was born on New Year’s Day January 1st, 1938 to Henry and Mary D. Adams.

Joyce was a lifetime resident of Austin attending and graduating from Austin High School. After Austin High Joyce attended the University of Texas.

Joyce met her husband Bert Johnson, also a lifetime Austinite, and they married in October of 1956. Joyce and Bert had three children, Gary, Sheryl and Jay. Joyce was always there for the many ball games, recitals and all activities her children were involved in.

Joyce worked as a telephone operator and at the Capitol while the Legislature was in session. Both jobs she truly enjoyed.

In October of 1970 (October 9th, 1970) missing their anniversary by three days, Joyce and Bert opened Bert’s Bar B Q on the corner of 19th (MLK) and Rio Grand Streets and close to the University of Texas campus. Together they built a thriving business that has survived until today for over 54 years with the help of their sons. Joyce made homemade potato salad, coleslaw and desserts and also handled the bookkeeping responsibilities. Joyce built relationships with the many customers over the years with her great personality and beautiful smile. Joyce was always so welcoming and friendly to everyone.

Joyce was a longtime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church being very involved in teaching Sunday school, the Alter Guild and many other activities at the church. Joyce then became a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and finally Christ Our Savior Church after moving to the Lago Vista area. Joyce’s faith was always a center point of her life and we are so happy she is now with her Lord.

Joyce loved to dance and learned to clog dance and line dance with friends. Dancing brought her great joy and she’d even break out a dance for her grandchildren to their delight. “Nan” was always able to entertain.

Joyce is preceded in death by her parents Henry and Mary D., her husband Bert, her sister LaVerne, her grandson Dean and daughter in law Karisa. Joyce is survived by her children, son Gary Johnson wife Jeanie, daughter Sheryl Whitehead husband Tom, son Jay Johnson, her brother Chris Adams wife Carol, grandchildren Sandra, Sol, Adam, Ashley, Cooper, Tyler, Dustin and Easton and great grandchildren Micah, Paxton, Jarrett, Charlotte, Lucy and Owen. Also several nieces and nephews.

If you were lucky enough to have met Joyce you are blessed. She was a special lady. A celebration of life will be held in the near future to honor a life well lived.