Joel Nanette Muckleroy, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the age of 91.Joel was born on October 9, 1934, in San Francisco, California, to Joseph Elmer Decker andAntoinette Alycia (Matty) Decker.

In 1953, Joel left her home in San Francisco and traveled to Kingsville, Texas, to attend Texas A&I University. At a time when few women pursued studies in agriculture, Joel earned her degree in agriculture. It was during her collegiate years that she met John Muckleroy, and in1957 they were wed. Their 49 years together were centered around family, school, and the community they called home. Together, they raised four children: John Robert, Judy Marie, James Joseph, and Jeffrey Lance. 

Joel devoted 38 years to a career in elementary education, nurturing and encouraging generations of young students. During her teaching career, she taught in Agua Dulce, Castroville, Poteet, and Jourdanton. She touched many young lives along the way. Retirement did little to slow Joel down. She loved to travel and saw much of the world through her many trips with Senior Circle. When she wasn’t traveling, she treasured time with her grandchildren and took great joy in being part of their lives. 

She was a familiar and enthusiastic presence at their activities, always ready to cheer them on. As a lifelong and devoted Catholic, Joel was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church in Jourdanton. Her faith was a constant throughout her life, and holy mass was a cornerstone of her week. Joel loved celebrations, especially sharing holidays with family and friends. From Halloween to Christmas to St. Patrick’s Day and countless family occasions in between, Joel delighted ingathering everyone for a fun meal and dressing for the occasion—often complete with a festive outfit or hat. She knew how to make a celebration feel special and gave her family many happy memories around the table. Full of energy and rarely one to sit still for long, Joel remained active, curious, and engaged with the people around her throughout her life. She loved her family deeply, enjoyed her many friends, and found great happiness in simply being part of the lives of those she loved.

Joel was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Antoinette Decker; her beloved husband, John Muckleroy; and her grandson, Clayton Muckleroy.

She is survived by her children, John Muckleroy (Benita), Judy Dickinson (Lester), James Muckleroy (Leslie), and Jeffrey Muckleroy (Amanda); her grandchildren, Travis Muckleroy (Rebecca), Kayla Orr (Cody), Sarah King (Mike McDonald), Forrest King, Marissa Hudson(Sheldon), Samantha Muckleroy, Mazy Muckleroy, and Addie Muckleroy; and her great-grandchildren, Everly Muckleroy, Leon McDonald, Arthur Hudson, and Shane Orr.

Through the students she taught, the friendships she made, the places she traveled, the faith she lived, and most especially the family she loved, Joel leaves behind a life that reached far beyond her 91 years.

Services are scheduled for Thursday, October 8, 2026, all at St. Matthew Catholic Church, starting with a reciting of the rosary at 11:00 am and a celebration of mass at 11:30 am. Following the mass, Joel will be laid to rest next to her husband John Muckleroy, at St. Matthew Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Matthew Catholic Church, 1608 Campbell Ave, Jourdanton, Texas, 78026, in honor of Joel.