Joyce Taylor

Mom, Nan, and Granny Joyce, This story began 82 years ago in a town called Tiger Creek where the family moved to help Grandpa Bennett take care of his farm. Soon Joyces own mom died when she was only 13. The household duties fell to her: up at 4am baking biscuits for her dad and little brother and sisters, Bobby, Joan and Chris, before heading off to school. Circumstances brought her to live with her grandparents which gave her a model to follow as she would later be helping to raise her own grandchildren. God is like that sometimes; He prepares us by using hardship and trials to mold us for future use and proves that He never leaves us abandoned. Each o us is a creation. Created in His own image with a plan for our life. Her legacy is three fine children, Three beautiful granddaughters, and a precious great granddaughter. A circle of close friends and several adopted “grandchildren”. Throughout her life she loves to craft and play cards for hours with family and friends. She was a excellent cook with meatloaf being a family favorite and she always prepared goodies. She loved to vacation with family and friends at the beach and also in the mountains and shop at the stores of Gatlinburg. Many regarded her as the skeeball queen. Reading was a favorite pastime. In the nursing home she enjoyed listening to the Bible being read to her. While talking about the old days, Hugh asked if she remembered when the all attended Walnut Street Christian Church where she and Carl sang in the choir. She said yes, she remembered going down and talking to the pastor when she got saved. These thoughts are how we remember Joyce. This is a difficult time but scripture makes this promise: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear. Life is not about the house you lived in, the car your drove, or the money you made. In times like these, we realize that only three things last forever: God, His Word, and peoples soul. None of us face the pain of losing her alone. God is with us. And, as we can read in the 23rd Psalm, “He, as our Heavenly Father, WANTS to help CARRY us thru this valley”. In Deuteronomy 31:8, “It is THE Lord who goes before you. HE WILL be with you; HE WILL NOT leave you nor forsake you. Do not Fear or be dismayed.” We are hurt by this hard time but right now, the important thing we need to learn from Moms, Nans, Granny Joyces passing is, What about us? What about life? And What about God? Joyces story had a beginning, but there is no end. Prayer: Father God, help us to know that no matter what, You love us. Help us all walk thru this difficult tie in the valley of the shadow of death. Help us to be aware of Your presence here with us now and always. In the silence of this hour, speak to us of eternal things, that through Your love and the comfort of the Scriptures we may have hop and be lifted above our darkness and distress into the light and peace of Your presence. In Jesus Name..Amen Hugh I will Miss Her. Jeffery Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the family.