Mrs. Iona Joyce Gilbreath, age 80, of Albertville, Alabama, passed away on July 5, 2025. She was born on July 13, 1944, to the late John and Molly Collins.
A longtime member of Snead Memorial Methodist Church, Mrs. Gilbreath was known for her kind heart, her love of reading, and her talent in crocheting and sewing. She was also a wonderful cook, and her family will forever cherish the memories of her chicken and dressing, as well as the lessons she passed down in preparing her beloved recipes. She loved playing cards with her family and friends—and boy, was she competitive.
She is survived by her children, Cassie Gilbreath, Doris Versloot, James (Kerri) Gilbreath, Lucky (Donna) Gilbreath, and Emily Swearengin; grandchildren, John Hill, Cody Gilbreath, Jacob Atchley, Michael Hill, Briana Gibson, Erin Timmons, Joy Carvalho, Caleb Swearengin, Lucky Jim Gilbreath, and Gabriel Gilbreath; a host of great-grandchildren; and her brother, David (Vicky) Collins.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lee Gilbreath, and by siblings Willie Howard, Pearl Pope, Doris Cox, Joe Collins, Jim Collins, John Collins, Judy Goss, Carolyn Green, and Bobby Allison.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Adams Brown Service Funeral Home with Bro. Kevin Stephens officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Snead Memorial Community Cemetery in Boaz, Alabama.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons.
