Joyce Marie Thibodeaux Okray

Her Life and Legacy

“For I am ready to be offered and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4: 6-7

Mrs. Joyce Thibodeaux O’Kray entered this life on September 12, 1958 in New Iberia LA to Mrs. Shirley and Joseph Thibodeaux.  To this union eight children were born.  Joyce had three sisters: Patsy, Mildred, and Margie Nell, four brothers: Joseph, Johnny, Roy, and Clarence.

Sister Joyce was baptized at an early age and knew she loved the Lord. Joyce was a God -fearing woman and always had a smile that lit up the room. The whispered call for Sister Joyce, she answered on November 3, 2022, a job well done my faithful servant come on home to a place prepared just for you.  

She was reared in New Iberia and attend the area schools. After graduating from high school, she began working for Fruit of the Loom for twenty years. Sister Joyce had a trade of her own, she loved to sew and began making clothes for her sisters and friends. She was a fashion designer in her own rights. Another one of her passions was fishing with her brother every chance she got. In 2001, Sister Joyce and her daughter moved to Shreveport to pursue a better life and fulfill her dream.

She worked for Lakeshore Elementary, and Turner Elementary as a cafeteria worker, and touched the heart of many, especially her grandchildren. Later, Sister Joyce became self-employed. She opened a shop and baked and cooked plate lunches from home for many years in the community.  She became known as Shreveport favorite tea cake lady. Because she was well known for her tasty food, Southern hospitality and accent her warm personality attracted many. But one of her attractions was her friend, confidant and husband who loved what she loved. She married Prophet Roger O’Kray. Their marriage and vow were to serve the Lord until death. This Joyce did faithfully with a Christian spirit.

Joyce has one daughter, Brandy, Marie Thibodeaux (Jermaine D.) Monroe. 

Joyce have four grandchildren: Jeremie “Lilman” Monroe II, Ashlee “2 Da Pop” Monroe, Rodger, “Prophet Peanut,” Kristie “KaKa” Monroe. She has one great grandchild, Ezra” Bun-Bun” Monroe.

Sister Joyce was preceded in death by her father, Mr. Joseph Broussard a brother, Roy Thibodeaux and a nephew, Jonathan Alfred.

She leaves to mourn her mother Mrs. Shirley Thibodeaux, Three sisters: Mrs. Patsy “Cutie” Harper, Mrs. Mildred “Poodle” Thibodeaux, Mrs. Marge Nell “Madea” Landry; three brothers: Rev.  Joseph Thibodeaux aka Mike,
Johnny “Bubba” Thibodeaux , Clarence “Cookie” Broussard, who all realizes that “Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.”