Helen Joyce Jones Keel of Dora, Alabama, passed away January 9, 2024. Joyce was born in a mining camp in Dora, Alabama on June 11, 1928. A funeral service will be held Sunday, January 14, 2024, at 2pm from New Horizon Chapel with Pastor Lane Sargent officiating. Burial will follow in New Horizon Memorial Gardens.
She is preceded in death by her husband Charles keel, Father Claud Jones, Mother Gertrude Jones, Brother Terry Jones and wife Gay, Sister Joan Jones Davis and husband Harold, sister Deanna Jones Mathews and husband Byron and Niece Dana Jones Kendrick. She is survived by her sister Beverly Jones Moore and husband Steve, Niece Terry Mathews Fields and husband Gary, Niece Teresa Davis Dutton and husband Randy, Nephew Craig Jones and wife Lenora, Nephew Paul Davis and wife Denise, Niece Carie Jones Wimberly and husband Art and Niece Cheryl Mathews Smith and husband Dwight, a host of great nieces and nephews and her special fur buddy Liza.
Joyce graduated from Dora High School in 1947. She worked at Dora Bank for many years. Joyce met Charles Keel and they were married in 1957. Charles was career Navy and they moved to Florida where he served out his term. They moved back to Alabama in the 60’s and made their home in Dora.
Joyce grew up in the Dora 2nd Baptist Church where she sang and was the church pianist. Joyce and her husband Charles provided church service for nursing homes and shut ins for many years. Charles ministered and Joyce provided the music.
Joyce was unable to have children but enjoyed years with her nephews and nieces. She baby sat and was always there when anyone in the family needed her. She was a wonderful friend to so many and never hesitated when she was called on to help out any way she could. Even if that was just to listen to others’ problems. Joyce was a strong Christian. She didn’t just profess to be a Christian; she lived a Christian life. Others definitely saw Jesus in her.
We will all miss her dearly, especially her care giver, Steve. But we celebrate her home going and know that she is rejoicing with all those she loved who have gone on before. God bless you, Joyce, and thank you for your kindness, your compassion, your humor, your honesty, your beautiful voice, your love and all the wonderful memories you have left us with. See you again someday……
In Lieu of flowers Joyce requested donations be made to Lottie Moon Ministeries or Annie Armstrong Ministeries.
New Horizon Funeral Home Directing.
