A celebration of life for Mrs. Joyce Denson Hall, 78, of Talladega, AL will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at Mt Canaan Baptist Church. Interment will be held in the Union Springs Church Cemetery. Mrs. Hall will lie in state at the church one hour prior to the service. Visitation will be held from 1-7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 21, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to one of the following organizations:

ARC of North Talladega, P. O. Box 853, Talladega, AL 35161; Mt Canaan Building Fund, 423 Battle Street West, Talladega, AL 35160; Talladega Co. Alumni Chapter of Alabama A&M University, P. O. Box 637, Talladega, AL 35161.

Joyce's life journey began April 4, 1945, in Birmingham, Alabama. She was the fifth child of six born to Julius and Robbie Lee Denson. She attended B.C. Hill Elementary School and matriculated to A.H. Parker High School where she participated in the marching band eventually becoming the head majorette. During this time, she developed an interest and love of physical movement and was well known for her free form creative dance. She also dappled in modeling and was chosen as a “Jet Magazine” centerfold as a high school senior. After graduating from Parker, Joyce attended Alabama A & M University majoring in physical education.

Joyce's early upbringing impacted her life. Her parents were excellent role models in that each was an active leader in their church as a deacon and deaconess. This mentoring would later lead to her serving as a deaconess at Mount Canaan Baptist Church as well as participating in the Inspirational Choir where occasionally she was featured as a soloist. Additionally, on special occasions, she directed some of the youth in performing creative dance displays. She was a faithful member and for a number of years worked with the finance department in counting the church's offerings.

Joyce graduated from Alabama A&M University in 1967 and was employed as a physical education teacher at Phyllis Wheatley High School. Later, she transferred to Munford High School where she worked for 28 years for the Talladega County School System. She later attended Jacksonville State University where she earned her master's degree. Joyce positively impacted hundreds of students during her tenure as an educator. She always expressed joy and excitement when she encountered former students in public and at various events. They would invariably reminisce about the past and how each had affected the other.

Joyce's life journey was probably impacted most when she met her future husband Ed in August of 1967 whom she would later marry on December 28, 1968. She and Ed enjoyed almost 55 years of marriage and became the proud parents of Derrick, their only child, in 1970. While pursuing her profession she nevertheless was an excellent mother, homemaker and an accomplished seamstress. She loved her flowers immensely and dogs, Skegee, a poodle and Timmy, a 'sooner', who chased every squirrel and human being who set foot on the premises. She loved to travel, shop and visit family. Joyce retired from the teaching profession in 1998 to give more support to her intellectually challenged son, Derrick. She lived a fruitful and enjoyable life traveling with her husband as he addressed his job and professional responsibilities in various cities and countries at home and abroad.

Joyce leaves to cherish her memory: her husband, Ed; son Derrick; sisters, Winnifred Albert and Shirley Tubbs (Johnny); brother, Robert Denson; nephew, Anton Albert (Yvette); grandniece, Alyssa Albert; grandnephew, Anthony Albert; niece, Qiana Tubbs Camp; grandniece, Kinley Camp; and special family friends, Geraldine and Bobby Stewart. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Julius and Robbie Lee Denson; and brothers, Julius Denson, Jr. and Marvin Denson. She leaves two dear friends, Bettye Fleming and Cora Green, whose unwavering support sustained her through the final months of her journey.