Joyce Southerland was born in Chattanooga, TN on July 31, 1929, one of ten siblings who remained close throughout their lives. She was eternally devoted to Gene, her husband of fifty-five years and their three sons, and later to their grandchildren.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents J.W. and Vernie Southerland, siblings Louise Denney, Wilma Adams, Jean Phillips and Dot Collins, Bill, Dick, Don and Jimmy Southerland; husband Gene and son Anthony Woodburn. She is survived by brother Larry Southerland, sons Steve and David Woodburn, six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
Joyce loved most her Lord and Savior Jesus, her family, her church family, and spending time in fellowship with these that she love so much. Music was a constant that she shared with her loved ones throughout her life, as she sang in choirs, joined up for a gospel quartet where she sang alto, or square danced with her beau as a younger adult. When her brother Don was in town, the family would gather around the piano for a sing-along. She came from a musical family and passed this love of music along.
Joyce chose as her vocation that of a wife and mother. This did not quench her love of learning. She was accomplished in High School, graduating from Lakeview High as Salutatorian. Decades later when the children had left home, she returned to the classroom, earning a Bachelors Degree in Journalism from Georgia State University.
Joyce will be remembered for brightening the spaces she dwells with her smile. In recent years that smile proved her faith and bravery as she suffered the pain of losing so many loved ones in a short time. Heaven can rejoice now with that smile.
Family and friends will be received for a visitation on Saturday, August 18, 2018 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Horis A. Ward Funeral Home located at 376 Fairview Rd in Stockbridge, Georgia. Funeral service will immediately follow at 10:30 AM. Interment will be at Fairview Memorial Gardens.
Flowers will be appreciated, or in lieu of, please send donations to the Alzheimer's Association at act.alz.org or by calling 1-800-272-3900
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