Joyce Inez Hixon Varnadoe

Joyce Inez Hixon Varnadoe, age 82 left this earthly life to be with her Lord and Savior on May 15, 2022, after a courageous fight with Alzheimer’s.

Joyce was a native of Lookout Mountain, Georgia, one of six children born to Bertha Mae and Farris Hixon. Joyce had a smile that would light up the hearts of everyone around her. She was a loving and devoted wife to Kenneth, the love of her life, and a dearly caring and supportive Mother for Kimberly, Michael, and Cheryl. She will be remembered by friends and family as a generous, compassionate friend, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and Great grandmother.

Joyce was born in a little house in Hinkle, atop Lookout Mountain, Georgia. She grew up in a loving home with close family frolicking all around. She met Kenneth Varnadoe while he was stationed on Lookout Mountain shortly after he joined the US Air Force. Kenneth was stationed overseas much of the first two years of their marriage and later they created a new life on the Mississippi Gulf Coast when Kenneth was stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi in 1961. Joyce and Kenneth remained lifelong residents of the Mississippi Gulf Coast for the rest of their lives.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Kenneth Jerald Varnadoe, who departed this life on March 15, 2022 to prepare Joyce for the transition to their next life together.

She leaves behind her children, Kimberly Varnadoe (William) Carden, Michael Varnadoe, Cheryl (John) Masters; grandchildren, William Leighton Carden and Savannah Dey Carden; and Great-granddaughter, Hydelyn Joyce Bryant Carden. She also leaves behind her loving niece, Marlene Miller, who stayed by her side through her journey.

Joyce loved the lord Jesus with a full heart and exemplified the devoted disciple that Jesus wished of his followers. Her love, generosity, and compassion for others was unbounding and her influence will live on forever.

The family appreciates the love and support we have received during Mom’s long fight with Alzheimer’s. The family would like to give a special thank you to her closest caregivers, LaJaun, Carla, and Nikki and to Encompass Health Hospice.