Joyce Lilly

Our hearts are heavy as we say goodbye to Joyce Lilly, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, who passed away peacefully on July 28, 2025, at the age of 78. A lifelong resident of Greenville, Texas, Joyce was the very soul of her family—gentle, unwavering, and deeply devoted.

Born on June 20, 1947, to Myrtle and Arthur Coyle, Joyce grew up with strong values of faith, family, and hard work. She attended Quinlan High School and later married the love of her life, Calvin Lilly, on December 5, 1964, in Floyd, Texas. Together they built a life full of love, laughter, and memories that will echo for generations. They ran Lilly Floor Covering side by side, but it was in her home and in her heart where Joyce did her greatest work—raising her children and grandchildren, and welcoming everyone who crossed her threshold with open arms.

Joyce’s faith in God was unshakable. She lived her life in quiet service to others, always putting the needs of everyone before her own. She was the kind of person who would give you her last dollar, cook you a meal even if she was tired, and sit with you in silence just so you wouldn’t feel alone. She would always help anyone no matter what, her kindness was mighty.

To know Joyce was to be loved completely. She didn’t just host a family dinner—she created a sanctuary. Her table was a place where burdens were lifted, and hearts were fed as much as stomachs. If you knew the Lillys, you were one of the lucky ones. And if you were loved by Joyce, you never doubted it for a second.

She was the glue that held us all together. The phone call you looked forward to. The hug that made the world stop spinning for a moment. The hand that always reached back when you needed it. She was home.

Joyce is survived by her sister, Bertie Austin; her daughter, Deborah Williams and husband Lee Williams; her son, Sean Lilly and wife Cherie Lilly; and her two dear sisters-in-law, Virginia Prieb and Evon Coyle. She was the proud grandmother of Brandon Williams and wife Brook, Ashley Cookston and husband Josh, Kristofer Lilly, and Sarah Lilly. Her greatest joy was being “MawMaw” to her great-grandchildren: Skylar Cookston, Lainey Steward, Gauge Williams, Kinleigh Cookston, Avery Cookston, Case Williams, and Preslie Williams—with a great-great-grandson, Stetson Layne, on the way, who will one day know of the beautiful legacy he was born into.

She also leaves behind countless nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who loved her deeply.

She is now reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband Calvin, her parents Myrtle and Arthur Coyle, her brothers Paul, Kenneth, Curtis, and Charlie Coyle, her grandparents, and so many more who no doubt welcomed her with open arms and tears of joy.

Though she is gone from our sight, Joyce's love remains in the walls of every home she visited, in the warmth of every meal shared in her memory, and in the hearts of those she leaves behind. Her absence will be felt in a thousand quiet ways, but her legacy will ring loud and true—for she taught us what it means to love without condition and to give without expecting anything in return.

Flowers, donations, and condolences may be offered to the family or the funeral home.

May her memory be a blessing, and may we all strive to love a little more like Joyce.