Joyce Latham Kirk

Joyce Latham Kirk, age 76, of Tuscaloosa, went to be with her Lord Jan. 20, 2013, at DCH Regional Medical Center. Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Memory Chapel Funeral Home with Bro. Jimmy Garner officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Hill Gardens with Memory Chapel Funeral Home, a Dignity Memorial Provider, directing. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Lee Clark Latham, and her father, Roy Elbert Latham; her brother, Samuel Clayton Latham; and her loving husband, Charles Elbert Kirk.

Survivors include her daughter, Karla Kirk White (Jack); her grandchildren, Felicia Layne Fair, Mary Joyce Fair, and Richard Nelson; many nieces, nephews and cousins; as well as her dear friend, Shirley Walker.

Joyce was born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. She met the love of her life in 1950, and they were married 60 years. Joyce was a homemaker and took great pride in that role. She loved her family and spent most of her time with them. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed baking. She also enjoyed crocheting and made many baby blankets, booties, and Afghans for family and friends. She loved the holidays and went to great lengths to make them special. She also loved to camp and travel but was always ready to come home. Joyce was strong in her faith and loved the Lord. When she was not able to attend church anymore due to her illness, she regularly watched Joel Osteen and First Baptist Church every Sunday.

The last few years of her life were difficult as she struggled with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Her devoted husband was her caretaker and never left her side until the Lord called him home.

Pallbearers will be Jeff Walker, Keith Singletary, Taft Singletary, Hugh Jackson, Tyler Latham, and Mark Latham.

Honorary pallbearers are the staff of MICU and the management and staff of Morning Pointe-Lantern Assisted Living Facility.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Alzheimer's of Central Alabama or the National Parkinson Foundation.