Joyce Nell Wittenburg

Joyce Nell Schneider Wittenburg passed away peacefully on February 22, 2025, just two days after celebrating her 89th birthday.  She was surrounded by her three daughters at passing and then joined her beloved husband, Bill, in eternal rest.

Joyce was born on February 20, 1936, to loving parents Herbert and Malinda Schneider, who instilled in her a strong work ethic, deep faith, and a compassionate heart.  She attended Copperas Cove Elementary School and Copperas Cove High School, where she was a cheerleader and played on the girls' basketball team.  After high school she pursued a career in nursing, attending the University of Texas, where she prepared for a lifetime of caring for others.

While in nursing school, Joyce met William (Bill) Ellis Wittenburg in December 1955, while he was home on leave from the Army.  Their connection was instant, leading to a devoted, long-distance courtship.  After two years of letters, weekend visits, and growing love, they married on March 22, 1958, at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Midland.

Together, Joyce and Bill built a life filled with faith, family, and adventure.  They raised three daughters in Midland where she pursued her nursing career at Midland Memorial Hospital.  In 1974, Joyce and Bill moved to Lampasas, Texas.  Joyce embraced ranch life, supporting Bill's passion for livestock while creating a warm and loving home always filled with laughter and playful banter.  Later, they moved to Georgetown and then Lakeway, continuing their journey together.

As avid travelers, Joyce and Bill shared an enthusiasm for exploring the world.  Over their many years of marriage, they traveled extensively, loved ocean cruising, and created many cherished memories along the way.  Despite their adventures, Joyce's greatest joy was always her family.  She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who never missed an opportunity to celebrate the milestones and achievements of those she loved.

Joyce's unwavering Catholic faith was the foundation of her life.  She found comfort and strength in her Lord Jesus Christ, instilling that faith in her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her three daughters, Tamara Gravenor and husband Bill, Shara Fletcher and husband Keith, and Jeanna Canales and husband Cody; grandchildren, Josh Gravenor and wife Jennifer, Brittlyn Pohl and husband Travis, Ryan Bear, and Larry Ramos, Shawna Sowder and husband Andrew, Briana Fletcher, Drakkar Canales and wife Ashton, and Chauncey Krause and husband Nicholas; great-grandchildren, Kennedy Pohl, Madison Pohl, Brooke Pohl, Ava Pohl, Benjamin Gravenor, Harrison Gravenor, Hudson Sowder and Dandy Canales.  She is also survived by her sister, Nancy White, and husband Phil, and Bill's siblings, Robert Wittenburg and wife Deborah, and Mary Lou Wittenburg Parmer and husband Richard, along with a large and extended Wittenburg and Schneider family.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Bill Wittenburg, her sisters and brothers-in-law, Hazel Ruth Post, and husband John and Verba Lynn Lowther and husband Bobby.  

Her family finds comfort in knowing that Joyce and Bill are reunited, continuing their journey together in the presence of the Lord.

Funeral Mass will be held at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Lometa on Friday, February 28, at 2 pm, with interment to follow at Senterfitt Cemetery.  Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel Lampasas is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorial donations may be made to Joyce's favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, in honor of her lifelong commitment to helping others.