Edral Joyce Ridley Driskell - spry2
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Edral Joyce Ridley Driskell of Athens,
Alabama passed away peacefully on Tuesday evening, September 26, 2023. Joyce was born on December 1, 1932, the daughter
of Otto and Ila Ridley in McKenzie, Tennessee.
She attended Bethel University in McKenzie, Tennessee and, taking care
of unfinished business, completed her degree at Athens State College, Athens,
Alabama.
Joyce worked to help support her family during
a time when that was not common. She
began her career in a sewing factory in Blountsville, Alabama. Management recognized her work ethic and
organizational skills and transferred her into the administrative office, which
launched a successful business career working in a number of industries,
including Decatur Transit in Decatur, Alabama, Revere Copper and Brass in
Scottsboro, Alabama, Rankin Insurance in Decatur, Alabama, and lastly as an Advising
Counselor at Athens State College.
However, her passion was her children and
grandchildren. Joyce always made time
for everyone. She provided love, support,
and encouragement, working tirelessly to provide opportunities for her
family. Joyce (and Bill) frequently
helped their children and grandchildren move locally or across the country MULTIPLE
times.
Joyce took care of each of her
grandchildren at some point, usually while their parent(s) were furthering
their education or working. End of
summer always meant a shopping trip for school clothes and supplies. Joyce always said “grandmother’s babies don’t
have to eat anything they don’t want” at her house, but she always served their
favorite foods. Her family will forever
cherish her.
Her undying love for Bill was an
unbreakable bond that withstood the test of time. It was love at first sight
when they met at Bethel College in 1950.
Joyce is survived by five children, Debra
(Gary) Noblitt, Pat (Karen) Driskell, Denise Rizzo, Chris Driskell and William
(Melissa) Driskell, ten grandchildren Julie (Wade) Paterson, Bryan Bean, Audra
Willyerd, Josh Driskell, Jon (Annie) Driskell, Christine (Alex Pate) Driskell,
Tyler (Megan) Rizzo, Bryan (Emily Roman) Rizzo, McKenzie (Gunnar Grabb)
Driskell and Emily Driskell, twelve great-grandchildren and several nieces and
nephews. In addition to her parents and
her devoted husband Bill Driskell, Joyce was predeceased by her brothers Duane
Ridley, Bobby Ridley, Joe Ridley, her sister Ruth Ridley Carr and son-in-law
Rick Rizzo.
Visitation will be at Spry Funeral Home,
Athens, Alabama on Sunday, October 1 at 12:30 pm followed by a Celebration of
Life at 2:00 pm. Pallbearers will be Emily
Driskell, McKenzie Driskell, Bryan Rizzo, Tyler Rizzo, Christine Denise
Driskell, Jon Driskell, Josh Driskell, Audra Willyerd, Bryan Bean, and Julie
Paterson.
Sign Guestbook below
6 comments
I am so sorry for your loss! Know that Katie and I are praying for you and your family!
Love,
Ryan, Katie, Kaden, Porter, and Hartley Kate Reid
The Hunt Family
I’m so sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. She was a very accomplished role model and I’m sure she was very proud of you! You are a loving mother and grandmother, the kind of person your mother raised you to be and person I am privileged to know. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Hugs,
Charlotte Wardlaw
Iglesias Family