Joyce O. Gay was born on September 26, 1931, in Lyons, GA, to the late James Edward and Annie Bell Odom. Joyce was preceded in death by her adoring husband of 61 years, Rudolph E. Gay. She leaves behind 1 sister, Kay Truett; 1 brother in law, Sam D. Pierce; 4 children, Chris Gay (Dawn), Valerie Johnson (Raymond), Eric Gay (Linda), and Gwen Collins; 11 Grandchildren, Courtney Gay, Emily Gay, Eric Gay, Rhonda Cloutier, Michael Johnson, Julia Johnson, Hannah Johnson, Ariel Gay, Ashlyn Gay, Katie Collins, Aaron Collins and 11 Great-grandchildren.
Joyce entered nursing school in 1947 in Atlanta, GA, where she met and eventually married, Rudy. In 1974, Joyce and her family moved to Jacksonville, Florida. Soon after, they joined First Baptist Church of Jacksonville where she made many endearing and lasting friendships. In order to be at home during the day with her children, Joyce worked nights as an RN at Jacksonville General Hospital until her retirement in 1991. She very often spoke of how blessed she was that she had a husband who loved her unconditionally and 4 children who loved her with all their hearts. All, but especially her family, will miss her genuine kindness, gentle wisdom and witty humor.
A visitation will be held on Friday, September 20, 2019 from 10:00am-11:00am at Hardage-Giddens Greenlawn Funeral Home, 4300 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207. Funeral service to be held at 11:00am with interment at Hardage-Giddens Greenlawn Cemetery at 12:00pm.
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