Sarah Joyce (Rast) Stallworth

Joyce Stallworth passed away peacefully on July 31, 2020. She was born in Birmingham, AL on October 5, 1927. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Portsmouth, VA and resided in Birmingham since 1966. Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jimmy of 51 years and her cherished brothers Holt and Tom Rast and is survived by her children Jimmy Stallworth of Columbia, SC and Kathy Gray (Jordan) of Birmingham, her grandchildren Holt Gray (Laura) of Birmingham and Amanda Drerup (Andrew) of Grand Rapids, MI, her great grandchildren Rebekah and Rachael Gray and Carter and Paige Drerup, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Joyce was a greatly loved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, friend, and neighbor. Always actively involved in her church, Crestline Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Birmingham and Mountaintop Community Church in Vestavia Hills were her home churches during most of her adult life. Teaching children to love Jesus, hospitality, and serving were her spiritual gifts which she joyfully experienced.

Joyce, also known as “Nanny,” loved people...young and old alike. Her grandchildren were thrilled when she parasailed with them! Many of her children's friends considered her their “second mom” especially during their teenage years and there was no one who didn't enjoy her company. Her favorite pastime was working in the yard, so much so that neighbors became accustomed to seeing her when she thought their yard needed attention too! She was truly a member of the greatest generation and a most excellent stay-at-home mom who will be greatly missed.

The family would like to thank Peggy Norman, Cindy Thompson, and the staffs of Precious Moments, LLC and River Highands of Birmingham Memory Care for their compassion in caring for Mom over the past eight years. Words cannot express our gratitude.

Friends are invited to attend a funeral service on August 3, 2020 at 10:00 AM at Ridout's Valley Chapel under the direction Dr. Richard Trucks. Due to Covid 19 there will be no visitation and masks along with social distancing will be required. A private burial for family members will follow. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Prisma Health Midlands Foundation, Children's Hospital, 1600 Marion Street, Columbia, SC 29201.