Joyce Hinton Cordell

87, passed away peacefully on March 7 at home surrounded by her loving family. Joyce was born and raised in Lakeland, Florida and was the daughter of M.C. and Jodie Moss Hinton. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe B. Cordell, and her beloved brothers, Patrick and Coleman Hinton. Joyce attended local schools in Lakeland and graduated from Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi. After graduating, she returned to Lakeland, where she proudly taught second grade and rekindled her friendship with Joe. After marrying, they settled in Atlanta where Joyce and Joe's two sons, Joe, Jr. and Coleman were born. Joe accepted a position with Jim Walter Corp. in 1958 and they returned to Florida (Tampa) where their daughter, Lauren, was born a year later. Joyce and Joe traveled extensively but their love was their home in Highlands, NC. They were married for 41 years with his passing in 1992. While she was a long-time and faithful member of Palma Ceia United Methodist Church, she loved hearing Pastor John DeBevoise’s sermons at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church later in life. She was also a member at Tampa Yacht and Country Club, a founding member of Mary Lee’s House Auxiliary and for many years enjoyed ringing the Salvation Army bell during the Christmas season. Joyce's life revolved around her friends, her children and devoted grandchildren. She took great joy in her Community Bible Study group and her faith. Joyce is survived by her beloved children, Joe B. Cordell, Jr. (Chris), Coleman W. Cordell (Ingrid) and Lauren C. Stallings. Her grandchildren: Charles N. Stallings III, J.B. Cordell, III, Elizabeth W. Cordell, Erica J. Cordell, William C. Stallings, K. Rainey Cordell, India P. Stallings and Margaret A. Cordell and former son in law, C. Norman Stallings, Jr. The family would like to thank Edgar Lewis for his decades of loyal devotion to our mother and family. We would also like to thank Harriet Doster and her staff at K’s Caring Angels for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest a donation to: Mary Lee's House (2806 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa, FL 33607) or The Salvation Army (1603 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, FL 33601). Visitation will be Tuesday, March 10, from 5-7 pm at Blount & Curry Funeral Home, 605 S. MacDill Ave. A private interment will be held the next day with Pastor John T. DeBevoise officiating.