1/20/1926 - 11/13/2023
Joyce Harrelson, affectionately known as "Joy Joy" finished her race on earth and took her Heavenly Flight on November 13, 2023. Funeral services will be held at 11:00am EST, Friday November 17, 2023 in Lakewood Hall at Striffler-Hamby in Phenix City with Pastor David Kees officiating. Burial will follow at Parkhill Cemetery in Columbus. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at the funeral home.
Born and raised in Phenix City, Alabama; she was the daughter of Durwood Griffin and Olga Clark Griffin. During World War II, she worked at the Rationing Board of Russell County and met a young Marine who had returned from the war after being injured in battle. His name was John W. Harrelson, USMC. They fell in love, were married and started their family. They were married for 36 years before his death in 1981.
Mrs. Harrelson was a secretary in the office of Summerville Elementary School for several years and went on to work at Cobb Hospital in the Medical Records Dept. until her retirement in 1991. She loved the ladies she worked with at Cobb and spoke of them often.
She was a lifelong member of Central Baptist Church in Phenix City. She loved her church family and served the Lord there as a Sunday School Teacher of young adult couples. One of her former Sunday School members said of her, "I have yet to sit under the teaching of such a wise and knowledgeable Sunday School Teacher as Mrs. Harrelson was." She loved, believed and tried to live according to God's Word.
She was a woman of prayer, who faithfully prayed for others. If she knew you, your name can most likely be found on one of her multiple "Prayer Lists" which she recorded on numerous legal pads through the years.
Although she was confined to bed the last four months of her life, she could be heard often praising and talking to her heavenly Father. We rejoice that she is now in His Presence.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her son, John W. Harrelson, Jr.
Survivors include her son, Roderick T. Harrelson (Roberta) of Smiths Station, AL, daughter-in-law, Lana Welch Harrelson of Columbus, GA, four grandchildren, Jill Jacobs (Shane) of Midland, GA, Nathan Harrelson (Cason) of Phenix City, AL, Jared Harrelson (Victoria) of Macon, GA, Rachel Shaw (Ben) of Rustburg, VA; ten great grandchildren, Mason Jacobs, Jaxson Jacobs, Caleb Jacobs, Shepherd Harrelson, Hope Harrelson, Canon Harrelson, Hannah Grace Harrelson, Brooks Shaw, Halle Shaw and Banks Shaw.
The family requests memorial gifts be made to the Gideons International or the Valley Rescue Mission in Columbus, GA in memory of Mrs. Harrelson.
To offer condolences, please visit www.shphenixcity.com
