Obituary of Joyce Ruth Caudle

"Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Proverbs 31:30 Joyce Ruth (Robinson) Caudle left her earthly home in Lovington, NM for her heavenly one on March 20, 2023, at age 77. She was born June 2, 1945, in Hobbs, NM to James and Leota (Fowler) Robinson. She grew up in Lovington and was the youngest of five children. It is reported that as a preschooler she was tough enough to spit a hole in the sidewalk. Joyce graduated from Lovington High School in 1963 and attended Eastern New Mexico University where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 1967. She married her high school sweetheart, Robert Caudle, in 1964 at the First Methodist Church in Lovington. In 1967, Joyce embarked on her teaching career which spanned 40 years and many subjects from Physical Education to Bible History. Her most rewarding teaching endeavor was gaining approval to educate junior high students on the Bible. She taught the Word of God for 11 years in a public school! Such education had never been done in Lovington and has not been done since. While many teachers may shy away from teaching 8th and 9th graders, Joyce was in her element. Her students valued and respected her character, integrity and candor. Joyce's record of educational excellence in the classroom did not go unnoticed. After retirement, she was asked to return to the classroom, this time to mentor new teachers. Some of her happiest years were as a homemaker and stay-at-home mother to their son, Marc. She was a woman of great faith, and her devotion to and love of the Lord was paramount in all aspects of her life. She spent many years involved in Bible studies, both as a student and a leader, in women's prison ministry, and she held various leadership positions at First Methodist Church in Lovington. Together she and Marc participated in several mission trips and were blessed while blessing others. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Valle Jean Golden; parents-in-law, Bob and Catherine Burton and David T. Caudle; sisters-in-law, Wanda "Bunchie" Robinson, Janice Robinson, and Anne Crow; brothers-in-law, Ross Black, Billy Golden, David A. Caudle, and Thomas Caudle; nephews, Ross Thomas Black and Sean Black. In God's care she leaves her cherished family, including her husband of 58 years, Robert of Lovington; son, Marc Caudle (Cara) of Lubbock; granddaughter, Taylor Wayne (Benjie) of Florida and grandson, Andrew Caudle of Lubbock; sister, Cherrill Black; brothers, Jimmy Joe Robinson (Ethel) and Eddie Mack Robinson all of Lovington; sister-in-law, Delpha Caudle of Ballinger, TX and sister-in-law, Ellen Ratliff (Jim) of Crystal Beach, TX. Also surviving are nieces, Lesa Golden-Hanson, Callie Boyd (Randy), Eddie Lou Robinson, Alana Gayle Lickliter (Ray), Jane Hicks (John), Cathe Allen (Steve), Vanessa Davis (Jonathan), Deeon Covey (Josh), and Shelley Luker (George); nephews, James Ross Black (Sue), Ronnie Black (Deborah), Rick Black (Shannon), Rob Black (Lisa), Bill Golden (Debby), Jimmy Robinson (Kim), Dustin Caudle (Lindy) and Chad Everett (Gina), along with numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. Joyce was well loved by a host of special friends for whom we are so grateful. A memorial service for Joyce will be held on Friday, March 24, 2023, at 2:00 pm at the First Methodist Church, 407 Main Street, Lovington, NM. Pastors Robert Gasman, Harry Pittam and David Stewart will officiate. Service is under the direction of Kirby-Ratliff Funeral Home of Lovington. A private family internment will take place in Ballinger, TX at a later date. The family expresses appreciation to Joyce's church family for their faithful support and to Gentiva Hospice of Hobbs, with special thanks to Nancy for her excellent and thoughtful care. Memorial donations can be made to a charity of choice. "Well done, good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:23