Joyce Ann Howard

November 12, 1949 - March 13, 2022

Lovingly embraced and warmly welcomed on Sunday, the 13th day of March 2022, Joyce Howard is now adorned in her kingdom crown and posted at her reserved seating in The Family of God. She was a faithful and fruitful member of the Carlisle Baptist Church where she began attending as a small child. You could find her on Tuesdays of each week sharing fun and laughter with her fellow Rook ladies. And who was it that said church ladies shouldn’t play cards? We’re certain that those standing dates with her beloved church family were beneficial in building her up for the remaining days of her week. Thank you, ladies, for the joy you exchanged and your bright commitment to your dear friend. At only 13, having met at a party and seeing the need to fix his tie, she lit the spark that ignited a lifetime of love. A precursor, we’d say, because she and her loyal husband, Ricky Keith Howard, ‘tied the knot’ on August 5, 1966, where they exercised their marriage vows for over 55 years while residing in their small community of Carlisle, KY. They were blessed with two daughters, Kimberly Howard and Mary Beth (Bradley) Barnett; two grandchildren, Ethan (Hannah) Barnett and Maranda (Aaron) Ashcraft; and, as of late, a great-grandson, Lincoln Hayes Ashcraft. She was born Joyce Ann Barbee on November 12, 1949, to the late John Edward and Beulah Elizabeth (McCarty) Barbee. She was the younger of two daughters. The early days were in the Jackstown area where she knocked about with her cherished sister, Bernice Whirles White. What else do we know about this beautiful lady? Well, we know her favorite color, right? How many times have we been in the doldrums of a day just commuting from point A to point B to look up and spot the little yellow bug? We may know others’ vehicles, but let’s face it not a one stood out as much as hers. It pepped us up as we prepped to signal with a strong wave of a big hello to “the sweetness”-you know, like the bee and the honey kind- that piloted that little love bug. Always Inspiring. Did you know that she worked at the local PVA office for many years before retiring in 2011? She chose to step into real estate after leaving the PVA and worked with Mark Mattox and his group for over 8 years. Her most fulfilling roles, however, were those as a wife and a mother. She was endlessly devoted to caring for her family. This devotion goes way beyond what the eyes may see. It’s a 24/7, continual consciousness of willing self-sacrifice to those that depend upon you. She was on stand-by for all in her family and sweet peace filled her when she was teaching and modeling the important values she wanted to pass on. Not only was her family showered with hugs and kisses, but she also seized every opportunity to connect with others around her. She took notice of the cashier at Walmart to the server at her table. Her end goal was to make each interaction end with an uplift of your spirit, and she’d extend a hug if she read you as a hugger. She enjoyed her home. She looked forward to the springtime when she could head outdoors to work on her sidewalk garden. Sticking to her roots, Joyce planted vegetable gardens that led to canning, freezing and preserving the fruits of her labor. There is therapy, even for adults, when playing in the dirt. To work hand-in-hand with The Creator by planting a seed, feeding and watering it, then, to see it burst forth as a seedling and continue to grow into blooms and flowers or fruits and vegetables is rewarding-her catharsis exemplified. Keeping in touch was important. She and Ricky opened their home and hosted community events. Annually, they held the Park School reunion. Her church was welcomed each year for their summer fish fry. These are just a few examples of her reaching out to positively impact others with her generosity and kindness; they add meaning to our purpose. To share with family and friends and to bid farewell, you may join on Wednesday, March 16, at 5 – 8 pm, with family from 4 -5 pm at Carlisle Baptist Church. Funeral service will be Thursday, March 17, at 1:00 pm. She will be laid to rest at Carlisle Cemetery by pallbearers: Ethan Barnett, Bradley Barnett, Aaron Ashcraft, Andy Whirles, Sammie Whirles, and Gary Barbee. Honorary pallbearers: Ethan Barnett, Bradley Barnett, Aaron Ashcraft, Andy Whirles, Sammie Whirles, and Gary Barbee, Eddie Whirles and Roger Whirles, Russell ‘Butch’ White, James Howard, David Howard, Beaty Mitchell, Danny Howard, Robert Brady, Gary Howard, Henry Banks, and Gary Boots. Carlisle-Clark Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.