Joye Lynne Nowlin

Joye was born on March 16, 1935, in Jacksonville to Milton Oliver Kogge and Edna Aline Morgan Kogge. She graduated from Landon High School and dedicated 30 years of her life to shaping young minds while working for Duval County Schools at the elementary level.

On April 24, 1954, Joye married the love of her life, Billy Lee Nowlin. They shared 51 beautiful years of marriage until his passing in 2005. After retirement, Joye and Billy thoroughly enjoyed traveling and spending precious time with family and friends. Following Billy’s death, Joye continued to embrace life fully, taking multiple cruises to various destinations with her loved ones and friends. Up until just a few weeks prior to her passing, she maintained a very active lifestyle. Joye found immense happiness in life’s simple pleasures, whether it was enjoying frequent lunches with friends, playing card games, working on adult coloring books, or spending time with her beloved dogs.

Joye's Christian faith was central to her life. She attended church regularly from childhood, cultivating a deep spirit of devotion that carried into her adult life. Her commitment to her faith and community was reflected in her dedicated service as an Elder at St. Nicholas Park Christian Church.

Above all, Joye’s family was her greatest treasure. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her boundless joy, and she deeply cherished every moment she spent with them. Joye will be remembered for her love of family, her deep faith, her lifelong friendships, and the vibrant joy she brought to the world around her.

Joye was preceded in death by her parents, Milton Oliver Kogge and Edna Aline Morgan Kogge, and her husband, Billy Lee Nowlin.

She is survived by her son, William Nowlin (Kendra); her grandsons, Andrew Nowlin (Braxton) and Daniel Nowlin (Sheila); her granddaughter, Keely Nowlin; and her great-grandchildren, Charli, Will, Wesley, and Parker Nowlin. She is also survived by her daughter, Annette Mitchell; her granddaughters, Megan and Melissa; several other great-grandchildren; and cousins.

A service to honor Joye’s life will be held at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Legacy Lodge on Friday, August 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.