Joyce Badon Obituary

In Loving Memory of Joyce Catherine "JC", "Sissy", and "Little Lamb"

Joyce Catherine, a beloved daughter affectionately known as "JC," "Sissy," and "Little Lamb," was called home to join her Bridegroom, Jesus Christ, on Friday, July 4, 2025. She graced the lives of her family and friends for 21 radiant years, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, faith, and brilliance.

Joyce Catherine was born on November 3, 2003, to Kellye Hanks Badon and Ty Badon, in Beaumont and was received with joy and thanksgiving.

Joyce Catherine was a soul who danced to the rhythm of her own heartbeat and gently encouraged others to do the same. From an early age, she was confident in her mind and choices-cultured, well-traveled, and endlessly captivating in conversation. Friends and family described her as sentimental yet light-hearted, intelligent beyond measure, deeply compassionate, and the kind of person who illuminated every room she entered. She had a warm sense of humor that added levity and charm to her presence. She saw the world through a lens of wonder and helped others do the same.

She delighted in exploring cities, countries, towns, and islands with her family, making lifelong memories at each stop. One of her greatest joys was planning the next adventure-most recently, dreaming up our next trip to Europe, with her heart set on discovering hidden gems and local treasures.

For thirteen years, she studied piano with Shari Griffin, often surprising party guests by slipping behind the piano and filling the air with joy. Her love of music ran deep-she knew the lyrics to songs across generations and genres. Her speaker and record player-gifts from her father - were among her favorite possessions, filling her room with sound and soul. The vinyl collection she built, encouraged by Ty, thrilled her; each record held stories and memories she cherished. Ty and JC also shared a love for Charlie Brown and the quiet beauty in life's little moments.

Her relationship with her brother Nick was steadfast and loving. Their bond shone in his unwavering determination to find her during the tragic flood, and their joyful memories-including a humorous squabble over her cherished Pinocchio toy from Italy-remain treasured family stories.

Her mother Kellye was privileged to nurture her many passions: spontaneous trips to Santa Fe to study Pueblo culture, afternoons wandering the MET in New York, shopping for vintage treasures, decorating with bold colors, and supporting her desire to try new experiences-each memory stitched into the vibrant tapestry of their life together.

During her time at Kelly High School and her internship with Labiche Architectural Group, JC discovered a love for art and design that led her to pursue a degree in architecture at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). With distinction and honors, she completed her junior year in May and aspired to earn her master's in architecture from Tulane University.

Survivors include her parents, Kellye and Ty Badon of Beaumont; brother, Nick Badon of Winnie; maternal grandmother, Joyce Hanks of Port Neches; paternal grandparents, Madeline and Rodney Badon of Fannett; uncle, Kyle Hanks and his wife, Mendi, of Groves; aunt, Kim Hanks Freeman and her husband, Ernest, of Houston; cousins, Dustin and Austin Hanks and Madeline, Matthew, and Gracie Freeman.

She is preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, L.B. Hanks.

The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of prayers, support, and love from people at home and all over the world. Some walked the riverbanks beside us, tirelessly searching for Joyce Catherine and the three other children, while many others lifted us in prayer, offering strength and comfort when it was needed most. The Badon family's bond with the families of the three children is sacred, etched forever into their hearts.

At 4:00 a.m. on July 4, JC's final words were, "Tell my parents I love them." And to their precious Little Lamb, her family says: we love you too, Baby Girl, and know that it is well with your beautiful soul.

A gathering of Joyce Catherine's family and friends will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025, at Wesley Methodist Church, 3810 North Major Drive, Beaumont.

To honor JC's life, at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 19, 2025, a Mass to celebrate her joining the Wedding Feast of the Lamb will be held at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica, 700 Jefferson Street, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard's, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.

Afterwards, the family will host a joyful luncheon in her honor-feasting, laughing, and dancing to her expansive playlist at The Venue at Belle Oaks, 15075 Country Club Drive, Beaumont. Come to the party-all are welcome. There will be plenty. In true JC fashion, wear whatever makes you feel your best. Any leftover food will be shared with those in need, just as she would have wanted.

There will be a private celebration at a later time for the friends and schoolmates of Joyce Catherine, Aidan, and Ella hosted by the Crenshaw family.

A private family committal service will be held in the future.

Memorial contributions may be made to 1) All Saints Episcopal School, 4108 Delaware Street, Beaumont, Texas 77706 2) Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School, 5950 Kelly Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77707 Mail check - Attention Business Office, Memo - Joyce Catherine Badon 3) Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) for the Designation tab select Joyce Catherine Badon Memorial Scholarship or mail check to Ali Evans, SCAD Giving, P.O. Box 3146, Savannah, Georgia 31402 4) Wesley Methodist Church, 3810 North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77713 or 5) St. Anne Catholic Church, P.O. Box 3429, Beaumont, Texas 77704

Complete and updated information may be found at: broussards1889.com.