Joyce Ann Center

Mrs. Center graduated from Jones High School in Lynnville, Tennessee, and two years later married Dr. Hayden Center in 1957. The couple were married for 67 years and until Dr. Center’s death in January 2024. Together, they spent their lives leading and serving in numerous churches across Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama, with their final church ministry at Heritage Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. After retirement from church ministry, they continued building and supporting ministries across Europe, Mexico and Central and South America for several years later.

As the wife of a pastor, Mrs. Center provided valuable support required of a congregation leader. She was a visible partner in Dr. Center’s ministry, yet few may realize their partnership extended far beyond the walls of the church. Steady and soft in her approach, she provided balance during the highs and lows, always seeming to know just the right words of praise and encouragement. Mrs. Center herself ministered to so many in our community - ensuring people were being cared for, heard and that they felt loved - often times out of the spotlight. Even until the end of her life, countless people experienced joy from her sincere words of reassurance and a smile that warmed one’s heart.

Mrs. Center demonstrated that same compassion and understanding to all of her family. She encouraged independence yet would always be there when one needed refuge. Her usually calm demeanor could quickly pivot in defense of any family member or friend being mistreated. She was strong. She showed bravery and overcame so many obstacles to remain a guiding light. The love and influence she created as a mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great grandmother are evident in her resilient family reflecting the values she taught and lived. She will be missed every day.

In lieu of flowers and in the spirit of Mrs. Center’s ministry, the family requests memorial contributions to the Respite Ministry at First United Methodist Church located at 2416 West Cloverdale Park, Montgomery, Alabama 36106 and fumcmontgomery.org

Mrs. Center is preceded in death by her husband Dr. Hayden Center, parents, and brothers Wynford Sands and Bryan Sands.

Mrs. Center is survived by sister in law Francis Sands; children Hayden Center, Jr., Carlton (Tammy) Center, and Mark Center; grandchildren Hayley (Chase) Sewell; William Center; Morgan Center; Blake Center; Chase (Christi) Center; Nate Center (Halle); great grandchildren Adaline Sewell, Oliver Sewell and Case Center; and beloved nieces and nephews.

A friends and family visitation for Joyce will be held Sunday, July 6, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Leak Memory Chapel, 945 Lincoln Road, Montgomery, AL 36109, followed by a celebration of life memorial service from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.