Joyce Perry Barnes

Her parents were Herschel and Gladys Perry. Joyce grew up on the family farm along with her older brother, Rheamond.

Joyce graduated from Willisville High School in 1943 and she taught school for several years.

She worked for Corpus Christi Power and Light for many years, working in the key punch section and becoming a supervisor before retiring at age 55.

Joyce married Maynard Barnes on July 7, 1977. They lived on Lake Corpus Christi and enjoyed traveling. Maynard died in April 1997. Joyce lived in Mathis until she moved to Garden Estates in Corpus Christi in 2019.

Joyce and her sister-in-law Dorothy traveled after both were widowed, visiting Hawaii, Alaska, Canada.

Joyce volunteered her time at South Texas Children’s Home in Beeville. She would take snacks for the Brown Cottage, especially vanilla wafers. Joyce became known as the Nilla Wafers Lady to the boys. Her Sunday school class at First Baptist Church in Mathis also made blankets for the boys living at their adopted cottage at the children’s home.

She also loved to volunteer at Coastal Bend Troop Support in Rockport. Joyce spent countless hours donating her time filling boxes with needed items and treats to send to the troops overseas.

Joyce is survived by 2 nieces, 1 nephew; 6 great nieces and 6 great nephews; 5 great-great nieces and 4 great-great nephews and cousins.

She was very independent and loved to get in her car and go to Beeville, Rockport or Corpus, whenever she liked.

Joyce was a like a second mother to many of her friends. Our family is grateful and thankful for Joyce’s longtime friends in Corpus.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ForestParkEast-FHC.com for the Barnes family.