Joyce Mae Thomas

Joyce Mae Thomas

August 26, 1939 – August 13, 2026

Joyce Mae Thomas (Mueller) was born on August 26, 1939, in Japan, Missouri, to Oscar and Elsie Mueller, both of whom preceded her in death.

Joyce shared a long and loving life with her husband, Jerald F. “Jerry” Thomas. Together, they built a family and a lifetime of memories before Jerry’s passing in February 2026.

Joyce was the devoted mother of four children: Hal (Sheri) Thomas of Augusta, Michigan; James David “Jimmy” Thomas, who tragically passed away as a child; Sara (Joe) Lucido of Denton, Texas; and Chris (Heather) Thomas of Battle Creek, Michigan. The loss of her beloved son Jimmy in 1969 was a heartbreak that remained with Joyce throughout her life and reflected the depth of a mother’s love that never fades.

She was blessed with many grandchildren, whom she loved dearly: Haley and Hannah, Nicole and Ben, Ian and Connor, and Amanda & Melissa. Her family continued to grow with the arrival of her treasured great-grandchildren: Jax & Zayne, Zoey & Eli, Nathan, Maddie & Vivienne and Mikayla. Each held a special place in her heart.

Joyce is also survived by her sister, Mary Qsar of San Diego, California; her brother, Michael (Connie) Mueller of Ortonville, Michigan; and a very special brother-in-law, David A. Thomas of Troy, Michigan. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Helen and Diane; her brother, Jim; her son, Jimmy; and her husband, Jerry.

Following Jerry’s passing, Joyce left Leonard, Michigan, and began a new chapter of her life in Augusta, Michigan, making her home surrounded by nature with her son Hal and daughter-in-law Sheri. During this time, Joyce and Sheri shared an especially close bond, and Joyce came to love and regard Sheri as a daughter of her own.

In her final days, Joyce was surrounded by the people who meant the most to her that were able to be there. With her children and family at her side, she was wrapped in their love and comfort as they helped ease her passing.

Joyce’s life was marked by the love she carried for her family through both great joy and profound loss. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, and all those who loved her will carry her memory forward.

In accordance with the family’s wishes, a private graveside memorial will be held as Joyce is laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Jerry, and reunited in rest with their cherished son, Jimmy.

Together again.

Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.