Joyce Retherford

Our beloved Mother, Meemaw, sister, wife and friend Joyce Nana Cecilia Kell Retherford born in Anniston, Ala on July 8, 1948, went to be with the Lord Monday, December 19th. Joyce is survived by her loving husband of 55 years Roush Retherford of Gulf Breeze and children; Marty (Tina) of Gulf Breeze, Melanie (Chuck) Runfola of Destin, Michael (Raquel) of Pace and Mitchell of Texas, and grandchildren; Chad (Sara), Taylor, Emily (Chris), Chaz (Matt), Tawni (Rick), Rueben, Marissa, Miles and Mya, great-grandchildren; Jackson, Clark, Destyn, Raelyn, Ash and Max, her sister Clarice Kell and many nieces, nephews, and cousins whom she loved dearly.

Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Nana Inez Kell, and her sister Ann Hurd.

Joyce, a native of East Pensacola Heights since 1951, graduated from Pensacola High in 1966. Joyce married her high school sweetheart, Roush, April 29th, 1967. After an assignment in Columbus, GA, while Roush served in the Army in Vietnam, they settled in Midway raising their family.

Throughout the years, Joyce wore many hats but was best known for her career as a Truss Designer. She started designing trusses on original blueprints in the late 1970’s and evolved with the field into cad software designing. She designed trusses for many homes, commercial bldgs. in the northwest Florida/lower Alabama region. She always loved computers and the most up-to-date gadgets.

Joyce had many hobbies over the years.  She enjoyed clogging, antiquing, photography and bird watching. She was the family photographer and videographer capturing all the memories we will cherish forever. She was the family’s caretaker and was always willing to help. She loved caring for animals, especially her loyal chihuahua-weenies. Joyce loved making lasagna for her family and gathering during the holidays. Her most cherished pastime was spending time with her family, grandchildren and great grandchildren.