Joyce D. Kennon

After a brave struggle with cancer, Mrs. Joyce Dennis Kennon joined her family members in heaven May 17, 2012. Joyce, resident of Columbus, died at her home of 58 years, with her children at her side. Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, 320 12th Street, Monday, May 21 at 10:00 AM with Father Frank Patterson officiating. The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 20, 2012 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Striffler Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus.

Joyce was born in Columbus, Georgia on May 23, 1929. Her parents were the late Robert and Doris Dennis. Orphaned at the age of one, Joyce was raised by her beloved grandparents, the late, John C. and Annie Howard Ryckeley and aunts and uncles. Raised in the Catholic faith she was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church all her life.

Joyce raised her three children, by her former husband Herbert J. Rice in Columbus, Georgia. Sadly her son Steven Andrew Rice preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death were her uncles, Heard and Marion Ryckeley and aunts Louise Mc Innis, Gertrude Ryckeley and Margret York.

Joyce loved her cats, exercising with friends and dancing with the Gems at area nursing homes.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband E. R. "Tiny" Kennon; daughter, Doris Anne Grassi and husband Gus Grassi of Bossier City, LA.; son Kenneth James Rice and wife Pat Rice of Marion IA.; grandchildren, Tracy (John) Girvan, Kristin (Brian) Nelson, Allen Rice, Tricia (Craig) Garner; great grandchildren, Elizabeth, Megan and Brian Girvan, Chase and Lainey Nelson, Sabastian Conour and Zoe Garner; her stepchildren, David (Doris) Kennon, Teresa (Bill) Ellison, Kathy (Leon) Bailey and Vicki Earnest; step grandchildren Shane (Amy) Kennon), Joshua (Beth) Kennon, Sarah Edwards, Mistie ( Chris) Herring, Melissa Bailey, Whitney (Jason) Shackelford, and Ryan Earnest; uncle, Charles E. Ryckeley and aunt Gena Ryckeley of Nashville; and a host of cousins and friends.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the nurses and staff of Columbus Hospice and Freedom Care for their loving care of our mother.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Columbus Hospice at www.columbushospice.com, Muscogee County Humane Society, PAWS, 4900 Milgen Rd, Columbus, GA 31908, or Pet Peace of Mind, 7020 Moon Road, Columbus, GA 31909. Condolences may be offered at www.shcolumbus.com.