Marilyn Joyce Pruitt

Marilyn Joyce Pruitt, age 77 of Lubbock, passed away on Tuesday, September 17, 2013, with family by her side.  She was born to the late James Harvie Pruitt and Evelyn Grey (McDonald) Pruitt on February 23, 1936, in Lubbock, Texas.  Joyce, a 1954 graduate of Lubbock High School, obtained her BS degree in Physical Education from Abilene Christian College in 1958.  She was awarded several additional graduate degrees:  M.Ed. Texas Tech (1962), Ph.D., Physical Education Texas Womans University (1968), and Doctor of Chiropractic from Texas Chiropractic College in Pasadena, TX in 1980.  Her Ph.D. graduate work included data on female measurements which was used by the Air Force in designing uniforms.  Education was very important to Joyce, and she was especially proud of following her father Jim’s footsteps at Texas Tech, himself a member of Tech’s first football team.

She was a respected teacher and coach.  Her teaching career included positions at Lamesa High School, Milby High School, Lubbock Christian High School, Joshua High School, and Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri. During her coaching career, she led Lamesa’s girls to the 1960-61 Volleyball State Championship.   Following graduation from Chiropractic College in Pasadena, Dr. Pruitt returned to Lubbock to open her practice, Lubbock Chiropractic Center.  She treated patients at this location for over 25 years.

Family and friends were Joyce’s passion and delight. One of six children, Joyce was close to her siblings and their families.  She spent most holidays with her extended family.  Her generous spirit and quick wit made her a favorite with 14 nieces and nephews, along with their spouses and children. 

Joyce was an active member of the Shadow Hills ladies’ golf group.  She loved the game of golf and spent most of her retirement playing with friends and family, even scoring a hole-in-one.  Other hobbies included her dogs, yard work, and woodworking.

Marilyn Joyce Pruitt was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Don Pruitt and Bill Pruitt; a sister, Faye Pruitt; two sisters-in-law, Cherolyne Pruitt and Opal Pruitt; and one brother-in-law, Jimmie Scott.  She is survived by her brother, Harvie Pruitt of Lubbock and his wife, Charis; and a sister, Pat (Pruitt) Scott of Edmond, Oklahoma.  Other survivors include 14 nieces and nephews, their spouses, and a host of devoted great-nieces and nephews.  She also leaves behind numerous close friends.

The family will receive friends 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, September 20, 2013 at Combest Family Funeral Homes.  The funeral service will be held at her home congregation, the Sunset Church of Christ on Saturday, September 21, 2013, at 1 p.m.  The family wishes to thank the staff at Carillon and Gracie from Odyssey Hospice who made the last few weeks of life easier for her.  Donations in memory may be made to the Sunset International Bible Institute, 3723-34^th St., Lubbock, TX 79410.

Please celebrate the life of Joyce by visiting www.combestfamilyfuneralhomes.com