Autance Joan Thurber
12/02/1935 – 10/28/2026
Autance Joan Thurber, 90, of Monterey, TN left this earth to be with her Savior, Jesus Christ on October 28th, 2026.
Autance, was known as Joan to her co-workers and friends throughout the years. She was nicknamed Tootsie early
on by her father and immediate family. Lovingly, she became MawMaw with the arrival of grandchildren in 1985 and
to her TN friends & family since 2019.
Autance was born on December 2nd, 1935, in Gilmer, TX to Alva Arthur Taylor and Ila Dee Taylor.
As a young girl, her family moved from East Texas to West Texas to the Odessa/Midland Area, where her father and
uncle found work in the oil fields. Tootsie was the oldest of five and a bonus mom to her siblings while attending
school, church and participating with the Pep Squad for the Odessa High School Bronchos. She accepted our Lord
Jesus Christ as her Savior when she was 15 and graduated OHS at the age of 18.
Tootsie met Gene Charles Thurber during their days at OHS and they were married in 1955. As they moved to
Plainview, TX to attend Wayland Baptist University, Joan became the Executive Secretary to the President in the
Business Office of Wayland Baptist University while Gene pursued his Bible degree being called into the Ministry.
Once that was complete, they returned to Odessa, TX where she went to work as the Executive Secretary to the
owner of Thermal Scientific Inc.
Joan was a competent, dependable employee as she worked for WBU twice, Thermal Scientific Inc. twice, and had a
short stint before moving as the Assistant to the High School Principal for Grandfalls/Royalty School District.
As a wonderful minister’s wife, Tootsie was a steady, compassionate, discreet, non-judgmental, and gracious force of
nature for her family, her ministry and her congregation. Autance met everyone with a bright smile, an infectious
laugh and was always on point with a clever comeback filled with love.
Autance, Joan, Tootsie, MawMaw, is survived by:
Brother – A.W. Dale Taylor of Pampa, TX., and wife Joann.
Brother – Charles Lavaughn “Vaughny” Taylor of Odessa, TX., and wife Celia.
Son – Mark Anthony Thurber of Monterey, TN., and wife Terri.
Grandchildren – Aaron Thurber, Josh Thurber and wife Ariel, Brandon McCants, Jordan McCants and wife Skye.
Great Grandchildren – Wyatt Thurber, Lana Hope Thurber, Jayden McCants, Makenzi McCants, Addison McCants and
Anna Kate McCants.
Daughter – Marisa Anita Watts of Midland, TX., and husband David.
Grandchildren – Taylor Warren, Rochelle Kennedy and husband Ryan, and Kristofer Warren and wife Stephanie.
Great Grandchildren – Emileigh Nyleigh, Caiden Warren, Cameron Kazear, Lauren Sanjuro,
Adeline “Addie” Warren, Griffen Kennedy and Blair Kennedy.
Autance, Joan, Tootsie, MawMaw, is preceded in death by:
Husband – Gene Charles Thurber
Father – Alva Arthur Taylor
Mother – Ila Dee Shaw Taylor
Sister – Carolyn Lynn Davis
Sister – Gloy Faye Carstenson
Great Grandchild – Emery Hope McCants
A private service will be announced for the family later where she will join Gene at the Sunset Memorial Gardens in
Odessa, TX., as per Tootsie’s wishes.