Joyce Haddix Johnson

JOYCE H. JOHNSON
Joyce H. Johnson died Tuesday, July 29, 2014 at Heartford House in Owensboro. A long time resident of Owensboro and Naples, FL, Joyce was born on June 1, 1935 in Lexington to the late William and Anna Mae Haddix. Her family heritage took her many times to the hollars and mountains of Eastern KY and with her understanding of the hardships that way of life offered, she was a poster child for how hard work and an education can offer a different life.

She attended Lafayette High School in Lexington and graduated at age 15 from Henry Clay High School where she was a member of the band, drama club and the student newspaper.

Joyce met the love of her life, James "Harrison" Johnson, while attending the University of Kentucky. After playing hard to get for a week she finally succumbed to the young man with the beautiful blue eyes and nice hands who also happened to be the best kisser in the world. They had been looking forward to their 59th wedding anniversary in November.

Their enduring love resulted in three children - Susie (Steve Hampson) of Lexington, Jim Clark Johnson of Owensboro, and David (Margaret) Johnson of Brentwood, TN. Regardless of how tiresome they became (and they did) she loved them tirelessly and with a fierceness that would only increase whenever they stumbled on their path through life.

She leaves to her amazing grandchildren; Stu, Katie, Harrison, Clay, Mary Grace, Maggie and Ford, a legacy of the importance of good manners and a love of the beauty of southwest Florida.

Joyce was instrumental in bringing the first sanctioned USTA tournament to Owensboro and was co-owner of The Tennis Shop - one of several entrepreneurial adventures that she embarked on throughout her life. She had an antique business; JJ, Ltd, as well as Ravels, Ltd design studio and real estate ventures. She was passionate about gardening and her love of antiques informed her travels here and abroad in search of her next great bargain.

Joyce was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Owensboro and Trinity-by-the-Cove Episcopal Church in Naples, FL. She served in the Junior League in Owensboro, The League Club in Naples and was also a member of the Naples and Owensboro Garden Clubs.

Special thanks to Dr. Tamberly McCoy, her son Ross, and the exceptional staff at Heartford House.

Visitation will be Thursday from 4-7 PM at Glenn Funeral Home. A graveside service for the family will be held at Frankfort Cemetery on Friday. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Heartford House, 2914 Old Hartford Rd., Owensboro, KY 42303 or the Salvation Army, 215 Ewing Rd., Owensboro, KY 42301.

Online condolences may be placed at www.glennfuneralhome.com.