Joyce Lanelle Greeson

Joyce Lanelle Greeson (nee Haynes) was a devoted Mom, daughter, sister, aunt, “Oma” and friend to many. She passed away peacefully after a short illness with her family at her side in McDonough, GA on 21 October 2022.

She was born to James William Haynes Sr. and Jewell Harrington (nee Gunnells) on September 7th, 1948 in Anniston, Alabama. She was raised in Atlanta Georgia by Robert Harrington Sr. and Jewell, together with siblings, Brenda Sue, James William Jr, Theresa Gale, Jewell Deree and Robert Samuel Jr. She also has two step siblings that remained in Alabama, Annette and Barry. She graduated from Roosevelt high school where she met her first husband Kenneth Lamar Greeson.

Together Joyce and Kenneth had two children, Lila Marie Greeson and Marcus Joel Greeson. They resided in the Atlanta area for 7 years, building a house from the ground up in Fayetteville, Georgia. Despite splitting in 1973 they remained best friends, spending many family holidays and Christmases together.

Joyce relocated the family to The Redlands, Florida where she lived for 43 years. Joyce was an active member of the Homestead community. Never one to sit still, Joyce obtained her Florida real estate license and later her title insurance certifications. She partnered in the Girard Title Insurance Company which operated for 23 years. She also participated in activities in support of the Homestead Chamber of Commerce and the Association of Title Agents of Florida. And just for kicks, she obtained her small aircraft pilots license, flying the kids around the Homestead area and off to holiday in the Bahamas on several occasions.

Joyce juggled her career with raising her two children, supporting them with school sports and musical activities. She was a welcoming host to all the kids who came for sleepovers and parties, earning top spot as “Favorite Mom”. When not busy with the kids activities, you could find her in the garden, where she grew flowers, vegetables and planted over 30 fruit and nut trees on the Redlands property.

Fiercely loyal and supportive of family and friends, Joyce was an absolute endearing character revered by many. She was genuine and warm, always lending a listening ear and compassionate words of advice. She is legendary for making the best fried eggs (with full breakfast) and when it came to happy hour (or sometimes a bit earlier) she was famous for her statement “I think I’m gonna have me a cocktail!” Joyce loved trying and eating any type of cuisine, but particularly fresh seafood. Stone crab claws and fresh mahi mahi were her favorites when she lived in Key Largo, in a house which she loved, and loved to entertain others on a regular basis. She even auctioned a one week vacation stay in the house in support of Wounded Warriors.

While renovating the house in Key Largo, she met Kurt Blomberg, and begin dating him shortly there after. After a whirlwind romance of 17 years, they married on 1 October 2010 in a quiet civil ceremony. Sadly Kurt passed away a day later on 2 October 2010. Despite being an alligator wrestler and employee of the Florida Fishing and Wildlife commission (and a host to a large amount of snakes, turtles and other critters), he was a kind and gentle soul who adored Joyce. It was a sad passing that had a profound impact on her.

Joyce’s life was a reflection of her courage and relentless pursuit to climb higher and have fun while doing it. She broke boundaries of her upbringing and encouraged (and supported) her children to do the same. She lived life to the fullest, working hard and enjoying life. She fully recovered from breast cancer and never missed a beat during her recovery. She loved boating, fishing, crossword puzzles, treasure hunting at yard sales, and generally spending time with family and friends. Her laughter is legendary and will be remembered by all that loved her.

She will be missed dearly, loved deeply and remembered fondly by family and friends. Surviving her are her two children, Lila and Marcus and three siblings, Theresa, Robert and Barry.

There will be a graveside service on Wednesday 26 October 2022 at 12 noon at Eastlawn Memorial Park, 640 McGarity Road, McDonough, GA 30252 followed by a reception lunch at Theresa’s home, where Joyce spent her final days.

Flowers can be sent to Haisten Funerals, 1745 Zack Hinton Pkwy S. McDonough, GA 30252.