Joyce Armstrong Roe Ward

Alice Carolyn Joyce Armstrong Roe Ward (“Joyce Roe Ward”) of Bessemer, Alabama died December 15, 2023 at the glorious age of 91. She passed peacefully into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at her home, surrounded by her devoted family. Join us at McCalla Memorial Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 20th for visitation at 9:00 AM and service at 10:00 AM. Memorial gifts can be made to The Baptist Church at McAdory, or The Foundry at www.foundryministries.com. Joyce lived a vibrant and ambitious life full of many passions. She graduated from Phillips High School at the age of 16, worked at The Birmingham News for a number of years as the youngest staffer at the time, and served as a Dean’s Secretary at Howard College (now Samford). While raising her four children, she poured additional time and energy into her community as the President or other officer of the Junior Service League, Alethean Club, Garden Club, Birmingham District Dental Auxiliary, Rotary-Anne, Metropolitan Club, Girl’s Club, and as a co-founder of the Bessemer Hall of History. On weekends, she could be found at the bowling lanes, golf course, tennis court, or water skiing, always miraculously preserving her characteristic hairdo above the surface of the water. After her children left the nest, Joyce enjoyed working until retirement at ABSCO Fireplace & Patio with the owner, her sister Catherine. She was an avid reader, collector of many things from angels to owls, and traveler of the world with her loving husband and dear friend, L.T. Ward. L.T.’s support and companionship sweetened and enriched Joyce’s life in her final decades. Joyce was the heart of her family, hosting Sunday Night Dinner every week for nearly four decades, with spectacular Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings that could somehow fit over 50 people in their Bessemer home. She cheered for both Alabama and Auburn, and attended as many of her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events as she could. At her kitchen table, there was always enough time for another cup of coffee into the night, another story, another laugh, another game of Parcheesi or cards. She will be remembered as an incredibly smart and funny, independent, creative, dedicated, and loving sister, mother, wife, grandmother, and great grandmother. She imbued every space with dignity, grace, and style, elevating each occasion and person around her with a sense of refinement and class. Her exceptional spirit of generosity continues to be an example for everyone who knew and loved her. Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved first husband Dr. Billy Wayne Roe, and siblings Mary Allison, Billie Jo Gowens, and Clarence Armstrong. She was the daughter of the late Perna and Sidney Armstrong of Mountain Brook, Alabama. She is survived by her devoted and loving husband of seventeen years, Lawton Taylor Ward, Jr.; sisters Joan Bearden and Catherine Galbreath (John L.); children Carolyn Roe Friar (Tom), Bill Roe (Leigh Ann), Jimbo Roe (Wanda), and Cami Earnest (Joel); grandchildren Carrie Comer (Anass Ben Koubia), Bryan Comer (Leanna Oen), Hunter Roe (Stephanie), Dalton Roe, Rebecca Earnest, Sydney Shook (Kyle), Slone Earnest, Landon Roe, Laney Roe, Sean Friar, and Annie Friar (Jeff To); great grandchildren Luke Roe, Emma Jane Roe, Sarah Lou Roe, Rosie Shook, and Aliyana Ben Koubia; L.T. Ward’s children Terri Ward, Taylor Ward (Angie), Tim Ward (Pendy), Tom Ward (Tiffany); grandchildren Tay Ward, Haley Ward, Ashley Perez (Nick), Brevard Ward Wilbanks (Peyton), Sarah Grace Ward, Stephen Lintner (Sophie), John Lintner (Katelyn), Andrew Lintner (Sierra), Will Lintner, Zachary Ward, Harrison Ward, and Whitney Ward; great grandchildren David Lintner, Ellie Kate Lintner, and Wesley Perez; as well as her loyal canine companion, Biloxi. We are also grateful for our sweet Mother’s nurturing care givers Stacy Dodd and Becky Shaw.

Joyce Armstrong Roe Ward

September 22, 1932 - December 15, 2023