Carolyn Joy Moreland

Carolyn Joy “Carol” Moreland, born Carolyn Joy Janca, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 13, 2026, at the age of 78. A public viewing will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Scott’s Funeral Home in Gatesville, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. There will be no graveside service. Family and friends are welcome to attend in casual, respectful attire. 

Carol was born on November 9, 1947, in Waco, Texas, to Emil John Janca and Nell May Nobles. She grew up in Waco and attended University High School, where she met Bobby Dale Moreland. They married shortly after graduation and built their life together around family and hard work. Over the years they lived along the Texas coast and in Waller before returning to Waco in 1976. Later in life, Carol spent more than 20 years in Gatesville, where she built lasting friendships, including a close friendship with Pat Kastings. In her last months, she lived at an independent living facility, where she quickly made friends with Pam, Gene, Jeff, and Ron. They became a happy group who regularly shared meals together in the home’s cafeteria. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bobby Dale Moreland; and her infant son, John Lester Moreland. 

She is survived by her son, Emil John Janca Moreland; her beloved daughter-in-law, Cindy Jo Moreland; her sisters, Deborah Janca Garner, Beverly Janca Menefee, and Kathy Janca Cole; and many extended family members, in-laws, and friends. Carol cared deeply about her family. As the oldest sister, she helped raise her younger sisters and remained a steady presence in their lives. She was generous with her time, her energy, and her care, and she was always ready to help the people she loved. After Bobby passed, she spent several years living with her sister-in-law, Frances Lovela Moreland, with whom she had shared a close friendship since their teenage years. 

She worked hard throughout her life. She worked as an office manager for a school district, then for Avery, and later at the Gatesville prison system as a counting clerk supervisor. While working full time, she also raised her son alongside her husband. In the 1980s, her work gave her the chance to travel and see other parts of the United States. 

Carol was smart, caring, generous, and capable. She loved games of all kinds and enjoyed playing video games well into her seventies, including spending hours with Animal Crossing. She was a lifelong reader who especially enjoyed medical mysteries, horror, and fantasy, and in later years she loved audiobooks. She cared deeply for animals, looked after stray cats, and loved her dogs Charlie, Skipper, and Lucy. She also enjoyed coffee, gardening, and working in the yard well into her seventies. Her Christian faith remained important to her throughout her life. 

She was happiest spending time with family and enjoying the company of her beloved dogs.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to charities that help animals, including the ASPCA and Austin Pets Alive!