Temple, Texas - April 22, 1950 - March 25, 2026

Joyce F. Massengale passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at her home in Temple, Texas. Joyce, daughter of Harley C. and Wilda "Bunny" (Nickelson) Walker, was born in Alva, Oklahoma, on April 22, 1950. She was 75 years old.

Joyce's father was a World War II veteran, a Lieutenant Colonel in the U. S. Army, having served in the Philippines in the Pacific Theatre; her mother was an outstanding educator who taught at Emerson Junior High and Enid High and was "Teacher of the Year for the State of Oklahoma, 1976."

After graduating from Enid High School in 1968, Joyce attended Oklahoma Baptist University for one year before transferring to the University of Oklahoma, where she obtained her bachelor's degree in 1973 and became an elementary school educator before she became the full-time caregiver for her mother after her father had died. Joyce was a fun companion for her mother.

When Bunny passed away in 1998, Joyce relocated to Waco, Texas, to be near her sister. It was there that she met and married the love of her life: John Massengale of Temple, Texas.

Joyce and John lived in Temple for seven years until John died of a heart attack. During Joyce's years as a widow, she enjoyed reading, writing, art, her beloved pets, and keeping in contact with her friends and associates.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harley and Wilda "Bunny" Walker, and by her husband, John W. Massengale.

She is survived by her older sister, Dr. Linda K. Walker-Kennedy and her husband, Dr. Bobby Joe Kennedy. Linda also was an outstanding educator, a retired English professor at Baylor University with 37 years of service.

Joyce is also survived by her husband's nephew, Frankie Copeland. After Joyce was widowed in 2007, Frankie befriended her and eventually became her caregiver during her long protracted illness.

Joyce chose to be returned to Alva, Oklahoma, to be buried alongside her mother and father at the Alva Cemetery; she requested that there be no funeral service.

Joyce was ready to spend eternity with her Lord and Savior.