Joy DeAnn White Welch-Miller passed peacefully on Thursday September 10, 2021, in Odessa, Texas after a lengthy medical battle with complications related to diabetes. 

 

Joy DeAnn was born to John L and Martha (Flory) White on March 17, 1967, in Fort Worth, Texas. Joy is proceeded in death by her Father John L., Her Grandparents Vada and Lynn White. Hattie Mae and Washburn Flory. Bill Richards (Papa). Joy is survived by her children. “The Twins” Carl John and Kaitlyn SueAnn Welch of Odessa. Mother, Martha Richards of Odessa, Brother John, and wife Dina White of Austin. Sister, Jo Lynn White Thompson of Austin. Nephew, Justin Chilton (Crystian Day) of Brownwood. Great Nephews, Silas and Zayne Chilton and her ex-husband Leon Welch. 

 

Joy graduated from Pflugerville High School in Pflugerville, Texas in 1985. Graduated from Tarleton State in Stephenville, Texas with a Bachelor’s in child development. Graduated from UTPB in Odessa, Texas with a Bachelor of Social Work.  

 

Joy followed in her Daddy’s footsteps after obtaining her nursing home administrator’s license. For many years in Stephenville, Austin, Crane, and Odessa. After Graduating from UTPB she went to work for Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home for 4-5 years. Then moved to San Angelo to work for San Angelo State Supported Living Center. Then moving back to Odessa to work 7 years for Child Protective Services. A job she was deeply passionate about. If she could have, she would have brought kids home with her. This speaks about her as our Brother say’s “Her Big Heart”.  

 

Joy loved being a mother more than anything in the world, a title that did not happen easily. She loved going to every extracurricular event the kids had and yelling at the top of her lungs to support them in everything. Loved her Coke from a bottle, loved being an aunt to her nephews, loved making Aunt Dee’s carrot cake for family gatherings. Her family meant everything to her. As well as giving her sister who is 13 months older and at times 2 years older a hard time. Joy enjoyed watching her favorite TV shows Blue Bloods and Law and Order SVU.    

  

The family would like to thank the ICU staff at Medical Center Hospital for their kindness and for taking care of Joy in her final days.  

 

Services: Visitation will be Wednesday September 15th from 6pm to 8pm at Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home. The funeral service will be Thursday September 16th at 1pm also at Sunset Memorial. The burial service will be Friday September 17th at Smith Bend - Coon Creek Cemetery in Clifton, TX at 2pm. The casket will be open for those who wish to pay their respects prior to the graveside service. In leu of flowers those interested are instead encouraged to offer a donation to the American Diabetes Association or your local animal shelter.