Joyce Mariam Thomas

Joyce wore nearly every hat at WorshipBuddy — board member, teammate, volunteer, and trusted advisor. She tested its products and gave honest feedback that made them better. Driven by a deep love for underserved churches, she brought them on board, walked alongside them, and kept WorshipBuddy anchored to the people it was built to serve. WorshipBuddy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit building free tools for churches. A gift in Joyce’s memory carries that mission forward.

Joyce served on the board of Sowers Fund, a ministry she helped lead and believed in deeply. Rooted in the teachings of Jesus, Sowers Fund helps families break the cycle of poverty by providing small grants and financial training so that farmers, seamstresses, mechanics, and other tradespeople can start businesses of their own and earn a living with dignity. A gift in Joyce’s memory carries forward work she poured herself into.

Joyce also spent several years of her career at Buckner International, a Dallas-based ministry that has cared for vulnerable children, strengthened families, and served senior adults since 1879. Buckner’s work in foster care, adoption, and family support reflected the same compassion Joyce brought to everything she did. A gift in her name helps continue that work.