Kelly Joyce Ross

Kelly Joyce Ross was born September 18, 1934 in Goose Creek (Baytown), TX to Elzie Otto and Lois Lewis Smith. She graduated from Hull Daisetta High School (Daisetta, Texas) in 1951 where she loved to play basketball.

Kelly Joyce married Willis Neal Ross on January 14, 1954. Together they had two sons, Robert Neal and Richard Wayne. In 1957, the family moved to Ruston, Louisiana where she began her banking career at First National Bank. She continued banking in Shreveport, with Pioneer Bank and United Mercantile. Shortly thereafter, she moved to Houston for four years, but returned to Shreveport until her death.

Banking was not the only business K Joyce was involved. She was equally connected to the oil industry. It began at birth when her Father named her “Kelly” after a piece of oilfield equipment. Her childhood was spent chasing oilrigs with her Beloved Father, who died when she was 17. Her adulthood was spent at Neal and their son’s sides as they worked in the industry. She loved and was devoted to all four.

Kelly Joyce will be forever remembered for her quick wit, sharp tongue and no nonsense view of life. She was a great cook; especially for those who called her “Granny”. She loved sports, gospel music, her dogs and boys. She was a member of Broadmoor United Methodist Church.

Joyce passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, March 30, 2017 at the age of 82 years old.

Kelly Joyce was survived by her husband of 63 years, Willis Neal Ross; two sons, Robert Neal Ross (Susan) of New Braunfels, TX and Richard Wayne Ross (Loretta) of Kilgore, TX. Joyce had five Grandchildren, Contessa Weinheimer (Matt), Paige Kimball (Arnold), Jessica Lassin (Adam), Justin Ross and Will Ross; four Great Grandchildren, Gavin, Logan, Blakely, Payton; and one brother J.W. Smith of Tyler, Tx. She is preceded in death by her parents, Otto and Lois Smith and sister, Lucille Marcontell.

The family would like to say a special Thank You to Live Oak Retirement Community for the wonderful love and care they gave over the past four years.