Joyce Ann Rucker Causey

Funeral Services for Joyce Ann Rucker Causey will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Methodist Church in Columbia, La. with Bro. Tommy Basco and Bro. Stephen Fife.

Interment will follow at Welcome Home Cemetery under the direction of Riser Funeral Home.

Visitation will be held Friday, April 17, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and again Saturday morning from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM, at the Methodist Church in Columbia.

Joyce Ann Rucker Causey, lovingly known as Mama, MawMaw, and Aunt Joyce, passed peacefully into eternal rest on April 10, 2026, at the age of 80. The first of her nine siblings to be born in a hospital, Joyce entered this world on January 20, 1946, in Monroe, Louisiana, and lived a life rooted in faith, family, hard work, and love.

Joyce was the daughter of Olan Lee Rucker and Ila Irene Cook, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Roy Lee Rucker; sisters, Annie Ruth Cooper and Margaret Elizabeth Neal; first cousin, Jerry Eugene Cooper; and her beloved greatgranddaughter, Alice April Meadows.

From a young age, Joyce’s strength and determination could not be ignored. She was raised working on the Rucker family farm in Riverton, where she learned the value of perseverance and service. She carried those same values into every season of her life. In her high school years, she served as Student Body Treasurer, was a member of the Future Homemakers Association, 4-H Club, and drama club, head cheerleader, and starting forward on the undefeated 1964 Louisiana State Class A Championship basketball team at Caldwell Parish High School. She was also honored to represent Caldwell Parish as Farm Bureau Beauty Queen and Lion’s Club Rodeo Queen. And, as no surprise to her loved ones, her class voted Joyce Ann as “Friendliest” and “Most Courteous.”

Later in life, she enjoyed showing quarter horses and earned several trophies. Two of her proudest achievements were being named the 2007 Bayer Select Reserve World Champion with A Big Time Kid and earning Bronze at the 2011 Select World Championship in Yearling Geldings with Kid Champion.

Joyce’s life was especially marked by caring for others. In her youth, she worked several years in retail at S&Q Clothing, later served as Activity and Volunteer Director at Haven Nursing Center, and soon became a Licensed Nursing Facility Administrator, where she genuinely enjoyed making a difference in the lives of the residents and employees she served. She also gave generously of her time as a community leader, Sunday school teacher at Columbia Heights Baptist Church, and coach for youth softball and basketball in Caldwell Parish.

Though her accomplishments were many, Joyce’s greatest joy was her family. She loved deeply and wholeheartedly, creating a home filled with warmth, laughter, and unforgettable meals. She was known for her cooking, her love of flowers and the great outdoors, her eye for decorating, and her unique gift of making everyone feel welcome. She treasured being “MawMaw” more than any title she ever held.

She is survived by her children: Brian Causey (Dawn), Jennifer Causey (Milton Roeder), Ben Causey, and Christine Hutchins (Ray). She also leaves behind a legacy of grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she adored: Alex Causey (Kourtney), Evelyn and Caffery; Philip Raeisghasem (Emma Gambaro); Andy Causey (Carolyn), Chloe and expected baby girl; Kayli Meadows (Scott); Caroline Causey (Bryce Dennis); Claire Norrell (Marcus), Bruin and Elouise; Taylor Jo Snow; Lethan Hutchins; Olan Hutchins; Elias Hutchins; and Joy Hutchins. She is also survived by her sisters, Beatrice Marie Pigno, Syble Irene Crain (Dallas), Lois Talbert, and Maybelline “Mable” Terrell; her brother, James Wilbur Rucker (Mary D); and many cherished cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

Joyce leaves behind a family strengthened by her example, homes made beautiful by her special touch, and countless lives made better by her kindness. Her faith was unwavering, her love was generous, and her presence was a blessing to all who knew her.

Finally, and most importantly, Joyce wholly loved her Lord and Savior, as demonstrated by her faithful life, and leaves us all with these words: “There are so many people to love. If you can, bring them to Jesus.”