Joyce Ann Kilgore Johnson, age 76, of Warrior, Alabama, passed from this life to her new life in heaven on Saturday, November 20, 2021.
She was given the name Joyce at birth, but everyone knew her as “Grandmama.” She was one of 13 siblings, and she was the witty, sarcastic and honest-opinion-giving sister. Her family was everything to her. Her parents, husband, siblings, brothers and sisters-in-law, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, were all she lived for. She was the family comedian, babysitter and caregiver. She fought health problems for many years to stay and care for her family, until her Heavenly Father said, “That’s enough, come home now.”
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband: Billy Johnson; her parents: Thomas and Isabell Kilgore; her son: Alan Johnson and siblings: Johnny Kilgore, Kenneth Kilgore, Paul Kilgore, Eva Ogletree, Frances Wilson and David Kilgore. Joyce also had 10 precious and beloved brothers and sisters-in-law who preceded her homegoing.
Joyce is survived by her daughter: Lauren Clark; son-in-law: John Clark and the child of her heart: Robert “Robbie” (Amber) Marsh. The greatest joys in her life were her grandchildren: Bridgette Grace, Kristina Clark, Billy Clark and Hannah Johnson, and great-grandchildren: Loni Tyler, Alana Tyler, Sawyer Grace, Ryder Johnson and Skylee Johnson.
The bond between the Kilgore siblings is unshakeable. Joyce didn’t just have siblings, they were also her best friends. As brothers and sisters-in-law were added to the family, they were also grafted into the ever-growing family tree.
She is survived by her sisters: Linda Blackmon (Andy), Bettie McBrayer (Kenneth), Janice Wolfe (Steve), Merle Marsh (Mack), Carolyn Moore and Peggy Foster (Roger); brother-in-law: Donny Wilson and sisters-in-law: Shirley Johnson and Jean Matthews. Joyce is survived by many nieces and nephews, many of whom she helped care for and entertain as children, and who all held a special place in her heart.
Joyce “Grandmama” is once again seated at her family table, now in Heaven, with all those who were awaiting her arrival. Our hearts may be broken, but hers is restored, healed and rejoicing. Join us to celebrate her life at Kimberly Methodist Church, Kimberly, Alabama, on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. Jonathon Todd and Arnold “Rooster” Kilgore are officiating.
