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Wylie -- Beverly Joyce Rakestraw Wylie, 69, cherished mother, grandmother and friend, found her angels' wings fully grown to carry her away as she was surrounded in her home by loving family members on September 23, 2001. She will be reunited with her beloved husband, Marshall J. Wylie, Sr., who preceded her in death in 1989 and her parents, David U. and Virginia"Sissy" Rakestraw and many others who promised to leave a path of pebbles to help her find her way. Joyce is survived by her sons; Steven M. Wylie and wife, Nancy, of Dallas, TX, Patrick T. Wylie and wife, Julie, of Sandia Park, NM; daughter, Sandra K. Wylie of Tijeras, NM; stepson, Marshall J. Wylie, Jr. and wife, Pam, of Albuquerque; stepdaughter Lide Breeze of Albuquerque; 10 grandchildren; and numerous other loving family members. Joyce was born in El Paso, TX on October 24, 1931 and moved to Albuquerque at the age of three, where she lived the rest of her life. She graduated from Albuquerque High School and went on to major in drama at the University of New Mexico. Joyce then became a devoted wife and mother at the age of 24. She spent numerous years as an active member of the Junior League of Albuquerque and tirelessly devoted hours to the American Cancer Society. Joyce was an accomplished pianist and delighted in leading the group in song with her harmonica, her accordion, or any other musical instrument that might be handy. She never met a stranger and made all who knew her feel as if they were the most special person in the world. Her wacky sense of humor was contagious, and her gentle loving nature was a gift to all. Her thirst of knowledge, her passion for music, her love of movies and drama defined a woman of depth and inspiration. Such things in life that brought her joy were her friends and family, gardening, woodwork, crafts, learning, reading, dogs, travel and her beautiful view of the Sandia Mountains. Her adventurous spirit prompted her to attain her private pilot's license, to hang glide, to parasail, to ski, to golf, to river raft, and to try just about anything once. The light of joy and happiness that Joyce brought to those who knew and loved her will burn brightly in their hearts forever. The family wishes to express profound gratitude to all of the angels at Lovelace Hospice who made the journey of her final days safe and peaceful. Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, September 27, 2001, at 10:00 a.m. at Gate of Heaven Mausoleum, 7500 Paseo del Norte NE, to be immediately followed by burial of her ashes. A Memorial Service will be held later that day at 5:00 p.m. at French Mortuary, Lomas Blvd Chapel, 10500 Lomas Blvd., followed by a reception at her home. For floral assistance, the family wishes friends to call 884-1600. Please generously direct memorial contributions to Lovelace Hospice, 5400 Gibson Blvd. SE, Bldg. 18, 87108.
        Published on: Tue September 25, 2001