Joyce Feril Gilreath

The last of five children, she was born on her family’s farm in 1935. Joyce graduated Valedictorian from Malone High School in 1953. As the wife of an Air Force Sergeant/ Vietnam Veteran, Joyce and two daughters travelled the world, and this great nation in support of her husband’s over thirty year service in the United States Armed Forces.

Bible studying, gardening and cooking were her favorite things in life.

We honor your memory by living with the same grace, strength and compassion that defined you. You grew strong in this sunshine, lived life from his breath. Now you’ve returned to our Father’s loving heart, and shall never need to leave again!

Joyce is preceded in death by both parents; four siblings, Donald Vaughan, Byron Vaughan, Geraldine Stephens and Mary Nell Thompson; spouse, SGT Jimmie Howard Gilreath (April 12, 1934- December 17, 2014), beloved husband of almost sixty years.

Joyce is survived by her daughters, Kimberly F. Langham and Lesa S. Hopkins; granddaughter, Heather L. Bailey; grandsons, Heath Blaine Price and Brian O. Banter; granddaughters, Alicia Mitchell and Jessica Bullard, in addition to nine great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A Visitation will be held at Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home, 1985 W. Nine Mile Rd., Pensacola, FL 32534 on Thursday, May 16, 2024 from 10:00 am - 11:00 am followed by a Funeral Service. Joyce will be laid to rest at Eastern Gate Memorial Cemetery.

The family wishes to extend an invitation for food and fellowship in Joyce’s name on Thursday, May 16, 2024 from 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm at the VFW Post # 4833, 5918 Carroll Road, Milton, Florida 32583. For donations, please contact Lesa Hopkins (850) 207-1527, or Heather Bailey (850) 736-2736.