Joyce Tanton, 81, of Votaw, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Thursday, October 17, 2013, at Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas, Beaumont. A native and longtime resident of Votaw, she was born on December 8, 1931, to Emma Kimball Knight and Allen Knight.  Joyce was a longtime member of Votaw Worship Center.

Survivors include her husband of sixty-five years, Reverend William H. Tanton; granddaughter, Kim Berry and her husband, Reverend Jason Berry, of Votaw; great-granchildren, Mikalah and Josiah Berry; and sister, Sadie Foltin of Huntsville.

She is preceded in death by her son, Ronald Tanton; and sisters, Velma Canfield, Ouida Knight, and Jean Hardy.

A gathering of Mrs. Tanton’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., Saturday, October 19, 2013, at Votaw Worship Center, 3160 FM 2798, Votaw.  Her funeral service will be 3:00 p.m., Sunday, October 20, 2013, at the church, with interment to follow at Votaw Cemetery, Votaw, under the direction of Broussard’s, 530 West Monroe, Kountze.

Memorial contributions may be made to Votaw Worship Center, P.O. Box 190, Votaw, Texas  77376.