Obituary: Joyce Kugler

A person’s legacy is defined not by what happens on a single day or even by the words she uses. Instead, it is defined by the things she did with and for others. Joyce “Joy” Mann Kugler was a dearly loved and loving person. She was full of affection, compassion, and creativity. 

She shared her life with her husband Dennis. They were married 44 years, and together for 50. Dennis was by Joy’s side when she passed the morning of March 25, 2025. 

Joy was so special to her family that she loved dearly, friends with whom she shared many wonderful times, and her numerous pets that were lucky enough to come to be loved and cared for by her. 

In addition to her love for her family, friends, and four-egged family, Joy also loved the arts- music, paintings, and sculpture. She was a talented and creative artist and seamstress. 

Joy was beautiful inside and out. She possessed a cool and perfectly unique sense of style. 

Joy left an indelible impression on many people. The following tribute reflects her life and legacy. 

“Aunt Joy was always so special to me. When I was small, I looked forward to talking to her and Uncle Dennis on the phone and spending a night on the weekends with them. 

The first few times I spent the night Joy and Dennis, Joy and I would sleep on the sofa (I was younger than 5). I would wake up hot, kicking off covers, only to wake up later with her afraid I was getting cold and covering me up with a quilt. And this repeated all night. We have always laughed about this memory. 

When I was older (pre-teen) I would spend the night with them after our family’s Christmas gathering. I was always so excited to be around them— and the wonderful gifts they blessed me with! One specific memory is sticking my head out of Dennis’ BMW’s sunroof as we rode down Highway 31 near Top Hat BBQ. 

Joy always loved animals. She would take in stray cats and had numerous ones that were fortunate to find themselves in her care. On one occasion, she and I stopped on Interstate 65 to rescue two dogs that were stuck in the median. After saving the dogs and managing to not get ran over ourselves, we got the dogs returned to their owner within just a couple of hours. 

As I got older, Joy and I went to art shows, museums, and concerts. I even snuck us into the Galleria to camp out for Pearl Jam concert tickets (we got 13th row on the floor!) 

We saw countless wonderful shows at City Stages. One particularly fun memory is us dancing at a Toots and the Maytals performance. That show is just one of many. 

Another great memory is us going to see George Rodrigue paint one of his Blue Dog paintings. That evening a young man (my age, at the time) asked if we were sisters. 

Joy was an excellent chef. She could make so many delicious things. She taught me to love things I might not have ever tasted or experienced. I enjoyed many delicious meals with her and Dennis (he’s also an excellent cook). 

I would leave Montevallo and Tuscaloosa to go spend the night with Joy and Dennis, and usually had a friend eagerly joining me. Spending the evening with them was better than any shenanigans available in Tuscaloosa or Montevallo. 

Joy was an artist, and created beautiful paintings. Her artwork was on display at a gallery in Birmingham, and it was a great night going to see it. 

Joy and Dennis love music. They exposed me to many different artists and musical styles. I’ve tried to share an expansive music palate with my kids to follow in their footsteps. 

I can’t believe she’s gone. But I treasure the love, memories, and time shared with Joy, and she will be with me forever.” 

Joy was the daughter of the late Jack Mann and Faye Mann Graham. She is survived by her husband, Dennis Kugler; brother, Kenneth Mann; brother, Bill Kugler (Kim); niece, Aundrea Mann Snyder (Eric); nephew, Lawton Kugler; great-nieces and nephews, Sophia, Stella, and Oscar Snyder; aunt, Sherry Shedd (Dennis); great-aunt, Sharon Allen (Charles); along with other family members and close friends. 

A memorial service will be held at Moss Service Funeral Home in Cullman on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 2 p.m.