Joyce Ann (Helton) Acosta

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Joyce Ann (Helton) Acosta

March 12, 1949 ~ January 18, 2020

Wife, mother, sister, friend, teacher, yaya, role model and fan, Joyce Ann Helton had a selfless impact on everyone she touched. Born in Santa Rita, New Mexico on March 12, 1949 to Joyce and George Helton, Joyce naturally embraced her role as a big sister and caretaker to her baby brother, Robert Wayne.

At Cobre High School in Bayard, New Mexico, Joyce became a fan and fell in love with the man who would eventually be her number one, Arnold “Skip” Acosta – and the story began. Over their 49 years, three kids, five grandkids, and an infinite number of friends who became family shaped the world of which Joyce was incredibly proud. Joyce’s three children, Chelsie, Jeramie and Adam, quickly became her cornerstone. Until her last breath, her five grandkids (Jackson, Monroe, Porter, Barcelona and Angeles) were Joyce’s most cherished gift.

Joyce found her passion and legacy in dedicating decades of service to educating our children and supporting the discovery of their own unique journeys. Her acceptance, understanding and unwavering patience made her more than an educator – Mrs. Acosta was a child’s inspiration.

Joyce’s love of God showed in her service to family and friends across the globe, and in her faithful dedication to the Catholic Church.

Joyce was preceded in death by her father, George; her mother, Joyce; brother Vernon George; her aunts Billy Jean, Evelyn and Sally; her uncle, Howard; and her cousins, Ivan and Troy.

She is survived by her husband, Skip; her three children Chelsie, Jeramie (Gary) and Adam (Jessica); and her five grandkids, Jackson, Monroe, Porter, Lona and Angeles. She is also survived by her brother, Robert (Judy); nephew, Brandon; her uncle, Bob; cousins, Denny and family, Billy Ray and family, her sister-in-law, Diane, her two brothers-in-law, Mike (Madeline) and Tim (Jan), Bobbie Acosta; cousins, Dickey, Dianna, Chaco, Peggy, Becky, Gail, Mickey; and her Acosta nieces and nephews.

Special gratitude for the love and support throughout her life to BJ Johnson and family, Audra Woolstenhulme and family, John and Linda Green and the Taylor family.

A funeral Mass was celebrated on January 25 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Joyce can be made to the Nano Nagle Children’s Center at St. Vincent de Paul Parish School to carry on Mrs. Acosta’s love of children and education.