Joyce Helena Aldridge of Huntsville, age 79, passed away unexpectedly in the early morning of September 10, 2020. Born on March 6, 1941 in Hanover, PA she spent her formative years sketching and painting, studying art, and longing for adventure! She joined the U.S. Army as a medic at age 18 and was stationed in New Mexico where she met and married her first husband. After several relocations and time away devoted to raising four children, Joyce re-entered the medical field as a medical clerk/computer operator at the Fox Army Hospital on Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL. She eventually transitioned to support various project offices as a management specialist in support of the nation’s missile defense program before retiring in 2005.
She was an active member of The Cove Methodist Church and hosted many small sharing and bible study groups at her home. Fellow parishioners loved when she hosted potluck events as she was a very good cook. Just don’t be surprised if you asked for one of her recipes and she couldn’t share it because nothing was written down-all the ingredients and instructions were by memory and taste! She also volunteered with The Way men’s ministry and checked-in preschoolers in the children’s worship ministry on Sundays.
In her spare time, Joyce loved bowling with friends and family and was active on numerous leagues throughout the city. Quietly competitive, she would always tell you her average if you asked and sometimes, even when you didn’t! She was known to be quick with a smile and laugh, but long with a story; no detail was spared. Joyce was an avid reader and artistically inclined. She created heirloom quality cross-stitch artwork, beautiful custom jewelry, and had recently rededicated herself to painting when she wasn’t busy doting on her two great-grandchildren. Joyce possessed a genuine optimism about life and always focused on the strengths and positive qualities in each person she met. Her sunny outlook and cheerful disposition will be missed most.
Joyce was predeceased by her parents, Arthur and Dora Aldridge, of Westminster, MD and is survived by four children: Sandra Fisher of Huntsville, William Koons (Angela) of Madison, Robert Koons (Sara) of Hendersonville, TN, and Deborah Fletcher (Kent) of Huntsville; six grandchildren – Abigail Fletcher, Alex Fisher, Adam Koons, Emma Fletcher, Katherine Koons, and Campbell Koons; and two great-grandchildren- Braxton Hester and Sophia Fisher. She is also survived by her brothers Tom Aldridge (Elaine) of Huntsville; John Aldridge (Sandi) of Littlestown, PA; Eddie Aldridge (Chris) of Hanover, PA, and Mickey Aldridge of Westminster, MD; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
A Celebration of her life will be held at noon with a Service to follow at 1:00 pm on Saturday, September 19th at The Cove Methodist Church on Winchester Road in northeast Huntsville. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association or the Clearview Cancer Institute.
