Joyce M. Little

Portland – Joyce Marie Little peacefully passed away March 30, 2022 after a long courageous battle with cancer.

Joyce was born on July 23, 1935 to Carroll A. Pitzer and Roxie (Heinlein) Pitzer in Bayside, Texas.  She grew up in Refugio and after high school attended Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas.  It was in Refugio, however, that she met the love of her life, Louis Little.  They were married in 1954 and made their first home in Tucson, Arizona.  The US Air Force and oil and gas industry allowed them to live in several different states before they finally settled in Portland in 1966.

Joyce was the ultimate wife, homemaker, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  She was the matriarch of her family and loved and cared deeply for all of us.  She will be truly missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Rex Pitzer and Robert Pitzer; a son Russell, and two grandchildren, Jennifer and Chad Schmidt.

She is survived by her husband, Louis Little; two daughters, Robin Schubert and Ronda (Trey) Threadgill; and four grandchildren, Chance Schmidt, Candice (James) Wood, Clint (Mary) Threadgill, Brette (Hunter) Sorrells. Seven great-grandchildren, Paxton and Porter Schmidt; Kash and Jett Wood; Tenley and Trace Threadgill and Steele Sorrells; and her two brothers, Carroll D. Pitzer (JoAnn) and Joe R. Pitzer (Patty).

Visitation will be Monday, April 4, 2022, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Winsteads’ Funeral  Home, Portland, Texas.  The Celebration of Life service will be Tuesday, April 5, 2022, 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church, Portland.  Interment will immediately follow at The Palms Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Portland.

Pallbearers:  Trey Threadgill, James Wood, Chance Schmidt, Clint Threadgill, Hunter Sorrells and Kash Wood.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Winsteads’ Funeral Home. (361) 643-6564