Joyce Elizabeth Cowley Gardner, age 86, went home to the Lord on Thursday, August 30, 2018. She was born in Plevna, AL on January 7, 1932 to William Ernest and Ona Mae Cowley. She lived in Huntsville, AL most of her life. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Bennie Gardner, three children, Stan Gardner (Loretta), Kandy Gardner Harris (Keith) and Karen Casey, four grandchildren, Lindsay Smith (Joshua Fleming), James Casey, Jason Casey (Grace) and Luke Harris, three great-grandchildren, Zoe, Jackson and Jillian, and her brother Bill Cowley.
She was a life-long member of First Baptist Church and a member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority for over 50 years. She was an active alumnus of Huntsville High School Class of 1950 involved with planning reunions and social gathering throughout the years. Her first job was at First National Bank in downtown Huntsville. She worked at Redstone Arsenal’s Gate 1 Visitor reception center for over 20 years. At the age of 43 she pursued her bachelor’s degree, taking night classes, and finished her degree at the age of 53.
Joyce always had a smile on her face and loved to visit with family and friends. She faithfully watched the First Baptist Sunday Service and she never missed Wheel of Fortune! She loved Alabama Football and she and Bennie had season tickets and attended games for many years. Her favorite pastime was shopping, and she could out last the best of them.
A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 1, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Laughlin Service Funeral Home, 2320 Bob Wallace Avenue SW, Huntsville, AL with Jud Reasons officiating. Interment will be private. The Gardner family will greet friends, at Laughlin, from 9:30 to 10:00 prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, those who so desire may make memorial donations in memory of Joyce to the First Baptist Church.
