Joyce Faye (Fowlks) Fort

Joyce Faye Fowlks Fort, a dedicated educator, loving mother, and devoted servant of God, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of  faith, knowledge, and love. She was born on December 17, 1933, in Kaufman County, in Terrell, TX, to the    parentage of Essex Fowlks III of Hempstead County, Arkansas and Miller   Beatrice Bryant Fowlks from Holland Quarter (Carthage, Texas) she was the second of  six children and was reared with the strong influence of her parents and grandparents.

Joyce graduated from Burnett High School in Terrell, TX; as a member of the Class of 1952. She pursued her education with diligence, earning her Bachelor of Home Economics from Prairie View A & M, University in 1956, followed by a Master of  Education from the same institution.

Joyce dedicated over 30 years to teaching and shaping young minds in various school districts, including Dallas ISD, Lufkin, Plainview ISD, Crandall ISD, and Kaufman’s Rand C.I.S. She began her career teaching 7th grade health science and later transitioned to 2nd grade before retiring.

Joyce was first married to Themious Lindsey in 1956, and though their marriage ended, she later found love again with Willie L. Fort, whom she married on March 26, 1960. Together, they built a home filled with family. She was a longtime member of Carver Heights Baptist Church before joining Antioch Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, where she remained a faithful member until her passing. Her devotion to her church was evident in her active participation in the Mission Circle (Dorcas Circle) and as a founding member of the Antioch Fellowship Mother’s Board.

In addition to her passion for education and faith, Joyce was an extraordinary cook and an avid gardener. She found joy in tending to her plants and preparing meals that brought her family together. Above all, she cherished reading her Bible and studying Christian teachings.

Joyce had a deep appreciation for her heritage and ancestors, believing in honoring their toils, hopes, dreams, desires, tears, and prayers. Her love for family and history fueled her passion for genealogy, as she spent countless hours tracing and preserving her lineage.

Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Willie L. Fort; son, Derwin Lowell Fort; and siblings, Essex Fowlks IV, Willie “Jack” Fowlks, Charles Fowlks, and most recently, her only sister, Annie Pearl Collins.

She is survived by her siblings, Dr. Edison Fowlks and Stanley Fowlks; her daughter, Rosalyn Miller (Haven); her sons, Rawn Lindsey (Jackie), Leonard Fort, and Harvey Fort; her cherished grandchildren, Rayna Lindsey Brown, LaRaun Lane, Pawell Lindsey, Kellie Lindsey, Elise Miller, Halle Miller, and Reece Miller; and great-grandchildren, Terrance West, Reighn Brown, Harper Lane, and King Lindsey.

Joyce Faye Fowlks Fort’s life was a testament to love, faith, and dedication. Her impact on her family, students, and community will never be forgotten. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

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