Joyce Ann Meacham (Williams), 89, of Bakersfield, California, passed Thursday, January 13, 2022, in Bakersfield, California. Joyce's greatest love was her family, and she was an exceptional wife, mother, and grandmother.
Joyce was born to the late Arthur E. Williams and Mildred L. Williams (Smith), on July 16, 1932, in Bakersfield, California. Joyce was the eldest of 8 siblings, whom she helped raise. Joyce did what she could to help her mother make ends meet and care for the other children, which crafted her into a strong young woman who could stretch a budget, sew anything and make miracles in the kitchen with a few simple ingredients.
Joyce met the love of her life, Gregory Red Meacham at 17. Red courted Joyce for four years while he served his country as an Army Sergeant and a proud Color Guard. The family delighted in hearing the story of how Red would park his car outside after dropping her off from a date, until he saw her bedroom light go off, to ensure she made it to bed ok. A romantic love story that continued to unfold for the following sixty years. In 1953, after Red fulfilled his duty to the Army, they married, starting their long and fruitful marriage. Joyce worked as Supervisor for Pacific Bell before becoming a full time homemaker, raising their children Byron G. Meacham and Robin J. Meacham (McNabb). Joyce had a special relationship with her wonderful daughter, which only deepened after the loss of her son.
After raising her own children, Joyce embraced her most valued role, as Grandma Gram. Joyce adored her four granddaughters, Stephanie, Stacey, Shalane, and Shawnte, and the adoration was mutual. Joyce is described by her granddaughters as more than a grandmother.
Joyce and Red enjoyed attending races where their number 5 racecar, sponsored by Timec, founded by Red in 1973, would race to the finish of many winnings and championship titles over the years, driven by driver Jim Thirkettle. After raising her own children, Joyce embraced her most valued role as Grandma or Gram. Joyce and Red invested their time and love into their grandchildren, helping to raise and care for them while Robin attended nursing school and later as she worked as a nurse on the night shift. Joyce and Red would stay the night when Robin worked evenings, get the girls ready for school in the morning, do drop offs, pickups and so much more. They were never far away and had wonderful, close relationships with their grandchildren. As the family they started so many years ago continued to grow and flourish, Joyce and Red then became great grandparents.
After the passing of her husband in 2013, Joyce continued as the strong force in the family. She enjoyed watching her great grandchildren grow, taking trips to Laughlin, going out to lunch (Mexicali and Wool Growers were her local favorites), shopping with her sisters Judy and Jennifer (Ditter), cooking, baking, and catering to the needs of the family. She also treasured her neighbors and friends.
Joyce was known as generous and loving, always making sure that everyone's needs were met and that no one wanted for anything. She was a caregiver, who would sit with you while you were fighting a fever, a wonderful cook known for her recipes and someone you would often call to walk you through something you were cooking or baking. She was a safe place to go to have a cup of coffee and chat, and she often presented you with a little something she got you, while she was out shopping. She was feisty with a fierce sense of humor; she had an infectious laugh that often resulted in tears from laughing so hard. She had great style and always looked put together. Most importantly, Joyce was someone whose life revolved around her family. She will be sorely missed and remembered sweetly as a nurturing grandmother and one who cannot be replaced.
The family would like to thank Dr. Robert Laughlin, Dr. Tommy Lee, and the staff and leadership at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital for the wonderful care and compassion they have provided to her and her husband Red throughout the years.
Joyce was preceded in death by her soulmate and husband, James Gregory Red Meacham, her son Byron J. Meacham, her parents Arthur E. Williams and Mildred L. Williams (Smith), her siblings Jackie Williams, Jerry Williams, Jude Williams and her treasured schnauzer, Hollie.
She is survived by her siblings, Jerome Williams, Jared (Beaver) Williams, Judy Crosby, Jennifer Coughran, daughter Robin McNabb (Meacham), granddaughters Stephanie Alexander (Michael), Stacey McNabb, Shalane Salazar (Anthony), Shawnte McNabb, and great grandchildren Skylar Wallace, Ramsey Delcid, Mykayla Alexander, Jackson Alexander, Franklin Alexander, Kingsley Limpias, Kingston Limpias, and Jonah Salazar, as well as her close companion of the last 11 years, her treasured dog Jewel.
A Catholic rosary and mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, starting at 9:00 a.m. A memorial and graveside service is scheduled for Thursday, February 10, 2022, starting at 1:00 PM at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, CA 93306. Reception to follow at Bakersfield Country Club.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hillcrestmemorial.com for the Meacham family.
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