Joyce Louise King Thomas, 90, departed this earthly life on Monday, September 28, 2026, at home surrounded by her loving family. Joyce, lovingly called "Ma" or "Aunt Joyce", was born on April 4, 1936, in Washington, Louisiana, to Julia Linton King and Samuel Francis King. 

Joyce married John "Yankee" Thomas III, and to this union five children were born, Sandra, Stephanie, Joseph, Reginald, and John Patrick. They made Lake Charles, Louisiana their home. 

Joyce worked as a Certified Nurse's Aide and as a private family caregiver for many years. In her retirement, she enjoyed baking and cooking. She was a longtime member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. She had a strong faith, praying the Rosary daily.  

She was preceded in death by her parents Samuel and Julia King; her husband, John "Yankee" Thomas, III; her granddaughter, Aarika Joubert; four brothers, Willie King Sr., Raymond King, Richard King, and Dalton King; and five sisters Lela Mae Valentine, Anna Belle Critian, Verna Mae Antoine, Ruby Robinson, and Mary Alexander.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her children, Sandra T. Joubert (Wilmer Johnson), Stephanie Peters (Boyd Peters, Jr.), Joseph Thomas, Reginald Thomas (Cheryl Thomas), and John Patrick Thomas; grandchildren, Adrian Lynn Thomas, Brandon Thomas, DeMarcus Peters, Dedrick Peters, and Daszman Peters; a special great grandson, whom she cared for, AaQuann Darbonne;  two sisters Florita Wolf (Elray) and Patsy Self (Leon); and sister in law, Sharon Thierry; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and neighborhood friends and family.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 2nd, 2026, from 8:00 AM until 10:30 AM with a Rosary at 9:00 AM at King's Funeral Home. Mass to follow at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, beginning at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery. All services entrusted to King's Funeral Home.