JoAnn Doyle

Family and friends are invited to visit on Wednesday, February 11, at noon at The Church at Stone River, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 1:00 p.m., giving thanks for a life well lived and a faith well kept. JoAnn will be laid to rest later that afternoon at 3:00 p.m. at Oakwood Cemetery in Sheffield, Alabama, beside her beloved husband.

JoAnn was born on December 17, 1936, to Lloyd and Julia Hamilton. She enjoyed a happy childhood surrounded by loving parents and dear friends, first in Fontana, North Carolina, and later in Tuscumbia, Alabama, where she moved in the sixth grade. She graduated from Sheffield High School and went on to earn her nursing degree from the Ida Moffet School of Nursing, later known as Baptist Hospital.

In 1957, JoAnn eloped with the love of her life, Aubrey “Buddy” Doyle, in Mississippi—returning just in time to her nursing dorm before curfew. They shared 53 years of marriage rooted in love, laughter, faith and devotion. JoAnn held a special love for the beach, where she found peace, joy and a deep sense of God’s presence. JoAnn and Buddy shared a passion for travel. Together, they visited most of the 50 states as well as Canada, Mexico, South America, and Europe, often with friends and family.

JoAnn had a deeply fulfilling career in nursing, working in Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, and Montgomery. Early on, she served at the Salvation Army Home for Unwed Mothers. She later transitioned into teaching, ending her career as an instructor for LPN students—a role she cherished. She took great pride in the fact that every one of her students passed their state board exams.

Beyond her professional life, JoAnn was a devoted wife and mother who raised two children and faithfully served her church as a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher. She cherished her church family and friendships wherever life took her. She was also a master bridge player and played at every opportunity she could find.

She is survived by her daughter, Terri Collins; her grandchildren, Tracie (Joseph) McPhillips, Tricia Collins, and Taylor Collins; and her great-grandchildren, Ryleigh and Dyson McPhillips. She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Buddy Doyle; her son, Scott Hamilton Doyle; and her son-in-law, Tom Collins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tom Collins UA Scholarship at https://give.ua.edu

The family is deeply grateful for the love, kindness, and prayers shown to JoAnn and to them during this time. They rejoice in the promise of eternal life and find comfort knowing she is now whole, healed, and at peace.