Joyce Sellers

Born in Jasper, Alabama, she attended Curry High School where she excelled on the basketball court, earning a scholarship to play at Mississippi State University. However, she chose to forgo the scholarship and instead marry her lifelong love, Joe.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Boss and Leonia West, her husband, William “Joe” Sellers, and her son-in-law, Kenneth (“Worm”) Christian.

Her survivors include her daughters, Sonya Franklin (Travis) and Deb Christian, her granddaughters, Haley Townsend (Brody) and Hadley Selman (Kody), her great granddaughters, Ella and Molly Townsend, and her daughter Deb’s long-term companion, Steve Lancaster.

From being co-pilot for many flights with Joe, to spending entire summers at the beach with granddaughters, and going on many charter bus trips with the “bitties”, she embraced life and adventure. She was an avid bird watcher, as well as sports fan, particularly cheering on the University of Alabama and more recently, her favorite coach at Ole Miss.

After losing Joe in 1995, Joyce became the matriarch of her family, which became her defining trait. She put her family above all else, selflessly raising three generations of girls with unwavering love and kindness.

For many years, Joyce worked as a funeral director, a testament to her compassionate spirit and her dedication to serving others. She also spent much of her time giving back to the community, particularly many hours and years spent volunteering at Holy Spirit.

Her legacy lives on through the lives she touched, as she inspired many to be more patient, compassionate, and hardworking, both in their careers and in the community. She was also known for her constant kindness. Those who knew Joyce will remember her as a woman who loved everyone deeply and was loved by everyone even more.

A visitation and prayer service will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church at 733 James I Harrison Jr. Parkway, Tuscaloosa, Alabama at 10:00 a.m., with an entombment to follow at the Memory Hill Gardens Mausoleum at 2200 Skyland Blvd East, Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Pallbearers will be Travis Franklin, Brody Townsend, Kody Selman, and Danny Mattherson. Honorary Pallbearers are Lillie Cannon, Raymond Giles, Henry (“Bannie”) Smithson, the rest of her Lynn Haven neighbors, and her best friend of 85 years, Maude Cheatham.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Hospice of West Alabama and her caretakers Renata France, Karen Jarman, Olivia House, and Betty Tubbs.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of West Alabama or St. Jude’s Research Hospital.