We are sad to announce the passing of Joy Laverne Spillar Purcell of Dripping Springs, Texas. She passed in the comfort of her home on July 9th, 2023, after spending the day surrounded by her husband, family, and caregivers in the presence of prayer and abundant love.
Joy was one of five children born to the Austin family of JD Spillar and Mary Ethel Cain Spillar. Hers was a large family that was hard working, loving, boisterous, fun loving and competitive.
Joy was born July 30, 1931, in Austin, and resided there until 1981. While growing up in Austin she graduated from Austin High in 1949. It was in Austin that she met the love of her life Bobby Joe Purcell. As she’d love to tell it, Bob was all tanned up and in a tight yellow bathing suit at a pool she wasn’t supposed to be at in East Austin. Joy and Bob married on Sept 22, 1950, loving each other like each day was the first, for just shy of 73 years. After Bob’s service in the Korean war, they welcomed their 4 children: Teri, Tami, Todd, and Traci. Joy passionately supported her kids in all aspects of their lives, pushing them to achieve their goals and helped lay a solid foundation for each of them to be successful in their adult lives. Joy also extended her kindness, love, and support to other children throughout her life, finding joy in pouring love and wisdom into future generations.
Joy and Bob moved their kids to the family ranch in Dripping Springs in 1981. Joy and Bob made deep roots in Dripping Springs, contributing generously to the community, school, and many nonprofit organizations in the Dripping Springs and Hays County area, including being some of the founding members of the Founders Day Celebration. In addition to this she and Bob proudly had 3 children and 4 grandchildren graduate from Dripping Springs High School.
In her early career years, Joy worked for several government agencies. Before her move to Dripping Springs, Joy discovered she had a talent for Real Estate Investing, in which she was remarkably successful. Purchasing property across the Texas hill country soon became her passion. This became Joy’s way of making connections and touching the lives of those around her. She soon built a legacy for her family through her knowledge and brilliant vision of the future.
Joy lived up to her name in so many ways, she was light, and laughter. She enjoyed spending time with family, going on walks, spending time near the water, and quite literally climbing mountains. Her life and legacy will live on through those who knew her and continue to love her.
Joy was preceded in death by her parents; Mary Ethel and J.D. Spillar, Sisters Adeline Renfro, Barbara Burke and brother Jerry Spillar, In-laws Ruby and James Purcell, daughter in law Connie Purcell, granddaughter Kayce Morgan Booth, and best friend and cousin Jonnie O’Day.
She is survived by her husband Bobby Joe Purcell, Children; son Todd Purcell, daughters Teri Morgan, Tami Burklund, and Traci Smith, Sister Peggy Biros, Son in-laws; Robert Morgan, Wayne Burklund, and Doug Smith, and her grandchildren; Brad Morgan, Kristen and John Lamb, Courtney Burklund, Tyler Purcell, Grace and Justin Purcell, Bobby McIntyre, Kendra and Dean Fisher, Dooley Smith, Mary and Grant Booth, as well as her 10 great grandchildren.
Pall Bearers: Brad Morgan, Grant Booth, Justin Purcell, Tyler Purcell, Dooley Smith, Chuck Purcell, Dean Fisher, Bobby McIntyre.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the following: Alzheimer’s Association; Austin Firefighter Relief and Outreach Fund; and Texas 4-H.
Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Monday, July 17, 2023 at the Dripping Springs Methodist Church. Services will follow 11:00 AM at the church.
Burial will be private. The family will host a lunch at the Church for all that would like to join them.
