Joy Carlotta DeGuire, age 86, of Brownwood, Texas passed away peacefully on March 17, 2025. She was born on March 29, 1938 in Amarillo, Texas to Carl and Huldah Mayberry. She spent most of her early years in Amarillo and attended Amarillo High School.

She met Merlin L. DeGuire Jr. while on a trip to California in 1965. They married on May 29, 1965, and later moved to Rhode Island, where Merlin was stationed in the Navy. A few years later, they adopted a daughter while in Rhode Island. In 1979 the family moved to Clearwater, Florida to be with Merlin’s family. They lived in Clearwater for many years while raising their daughter. Joy’s faith was a major driver in her life. She was very active in The Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan in Clearwater over many years.

Joy returned to Texas following the passing of her husband. She lived out her retirement years in Brownwood. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister and husband. Joy will be laid to rest next to Merlin at Sylvan Abbey in Clearwater, Florida. She is survived by a daughter and granddaughter.

Joy will be remembered for her love of life, family and friends as well as her unwavering faith. She loved sewing, was an accomplished seamstress who also enjoyed cooking and baking from scratch for her family. She always greeted everyone with a smile. Joy was a fun, loving, kind and generous person whose given name was befitting of her. 

Condolences, memories, and tributes can be offered to the family online at heartlandfuneralhome.com

Heartland Funeral Home of Early is in charge of arrangements.