Viola Joyce Byers

Viola Joyce Byers, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2024, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Born on July 17, 1932, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, she was the daughter of Elvin W. and Olive Miller Higgins.

Joyce graduated from Van Nuys High School in Van Nuys, California. She dedicated her life to her family as a homemaker and later worked as a bookkeeper at various banks while her children were in school. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her family as she served as a Girl Scout leader and Cub Scout Leader during her children’s youth.

A devout member of the Methodist Church, Joyce was known for her green thumb in the garden, her love for reading, and her adventurous spirit, which led her to enjoy traveling in their motor home and hiking. She will be remembered as a great cook, even though she didn’t like to!

Joyce’s memory will be cherished by her children: Steven Merle Byers (Robin) of Burke, VA, Richard Elvin Byers (Patricia) of Woodbridge, VA, Deanna Fruge (Shelby, deceased) of Lake Charles, LA, and Virginia Joyce Byers (Richard) of Clarksville, TN; her grandchildren: Brandon Fruge (Aungelina), Bethany Basden (Logan), Gregory Ross Byers, and Jason Merle Byers (Michelle); as well as her great-grandchildren: William Basden, Mary Basden, Atlas Fruge, and one Baby Byers on the way.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Donald M. Byers, and her sisters, Elva Jane Bentz and Wilburta Jenkins.

Cremation has been entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles. The inurnment of her ashes will be in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.