Joyce Ann Spears, aged 76, of Loogootee, Indiana, passed away at Poplar Care Strategies on June 8, 2025 after a brief illness. Born on July 3, 1948 in Temple, Texas, she was the beloved daughter of Quentin Albert McWilliams and Juanita (Carraway) Daly. Her family moved to New Orleans, Louisiana in 1951, where she was raised. She graduated from Sacred Heart High School in New Orleans. Joyce worked at Woolworth’s in downtown New Orleans until meeting and eventually marrying her husband, Sam, on October 18, 1970. Sam served in the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard for 30 years. During her marriage, Joyce was a housewife until the boys graduated from high school. The family made their homes as they moved to various commands across the United States.
Joyce was of Catholic faith. She loved to can food, to garden, as well as going to garage sales and thrifting. She will fondly be remembered as the “Slot Machine Queen” by her loved ones and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and one sister.
Joyce is lovingly remembered by and is survived by her husband, Sam; two sons: Jason (Nicole) Spears and Justin Spears; three grandchildren: Aaron, Austin, and Kylie Spears; three adopted grandchildren: Shane, Linni, and Renae Sanders.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 12, 2025, at Blake Funeral Home in Loogootee, Indiana, at 11 A.M. with the Very Rev. J. Kenneth Walker to officiate. Burial will follow at a later date in Lake Lawn Cemetery, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2025, from 9 A.M. to time of service at the Blake Funeral Home in Loogootee, Indiana. Online condolences may be made online at www.blakefuneralhomes.com
Blake Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Joyce Ann Spears.
