Nannie Joy Rolison

At the age of 12, Joy developed a passion for nursing while hospitalized for treatment of a severe, life-threatening injury. Upon graduation from Vigor High School, she pursed her dream acquiring her RN degree from Mobile Infirmary School of Nursing, and her BSN and MSN from the University of Alabama. Joy then went on to achieve a career and legacy of over 4 decades of outstanding nursing service and education with an unswerving commitment to excellence.

During her professional career, Joy was a nursing instructor at both LSU School of Medicine and the Mastin School of Nursing. In 1969, she accepted the position of Director of Nursing Services for the Mobile County Board of Health. Responsibilities there included supervisor of Maternal/Infant Care Project, Director pf Epidemiology, Director of Home Health Servies, Director of the Hepatitis B Vaccination, Rubella and Measles Program, Historian and other assigned special projects. A proud health professional, Joy received numerous awards, honors, and recognition for her work. Concurrently, she served on several professional and community boards. Joy retired in 2000 having dedicated her professional life to helping others through her love of nursing. She will be remembered for her leadership as well as compassionate patient care.

Community service and advocacy continued after retirement. Joy served on local boards and actively participated in the Community Watch for her home area. She and her dog, Daisy, could daily be seen driving through her neighborhood making sure all was well. A lifelong learner, Joy enjoyed pursuing subjects of interest. She enrolled in jewelry design courses and made many beautiful items still enjoyed by family and friends. A collector of antique clocks, Joy learned watch and clock repair to aid in maintaining her pieces. Genealogy, history, gardening and cooking were her other loves. No day was complete without Joy checking on the well-being of family and friends. Her daily telephone call and prayers will be greatly missed.

Joy was preceded in death by her parents, Edward William Rolison and Rachel Davidson Rolison, and sister-in-law, Jennifer Cometti Rolison.

She is survived be her siblings, Gwendolyn Rolison-Dey (Harold) and Kenneth Rolison; a nephew, Reverend Joseph Rolison (Jennifer) and a great niece, Julia Rolison.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Jennifer Williams and LaKysha Johnson who provided exceptional care for Joy during her final illness.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donation be made to Joy’s Favorite Charity, Shriners' Hospital for Children, P.O. Box 1525, Rason, WV. 25439

Graveside Service for Joy will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Saraland, Alabama.