Joyce Al-Kishaly

Joyce Hill Al-Kishaly died peacefully at home on Sunday, March 24 at the age of 91 in Franklin, KY. She was born in McKenzie, Tennessee to the late Evora Argo and the late Tommie Ernest Hill on March 6, 1933.

As a young girl, Joyce was quite athletic as she enjoyed basketball, dancing, roller and ice skating. She always had an outgoing personality which was highlighted during her high school days as a cheerleader. She had a love for her family, friends, students, co-workers and a desire to help those in need. After graduating from high school and starting a family, she began working in the medical field as a dental assistant, nurse, and hospital dietician.

Upon leaving the medical field, she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Bethel University, a Master of Science in Education from the University of Tennessee at Martin, and an additional degree in social work from the University of Kentucky and Western Kentucky University.

Putting her new education to use in Tennessee, she taught elementary special education classes in Carroll and Henry Counties and later worked in Giles County for the Department of Human Resources. After moving to Kentucky, she worked with the Kentucky State Cabinet of Human Services, Tennessee Infant Parent Services, and supervised student teachers with Western Kentucky University.

Joyce was a member of Franklin First Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Beta Sigma Phi, Franklin Garden Club, Bridge Club, Good Samaritan, Lewis Home Board, Kentucky Teacher Retirement Association, and was deemed a Kentucky Colonel. During the Franklin Bicentennial, Joyce was honored as one of the “Hidden Gems of Franklin” in the Art of Environmental Portraits. Additionally, she was honored by the Franklin-Simpson Human Right’s Commission as an “Unsung Hero”

Music was a talent Joyce enjoyed by playing the piano and in later life, learned to play the dulcimer and belonged to the Franklin’s dulcimer group. The No-Name Band. She was an avid golfer and landscaper with expertise in flower gardening and making bouquets. She also loved volunteering at florist, the Medical Center, Hospice of Bowling Green and anywhere she felt led to serve her community.

Visitation will be from 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM Thursday, March 28, 2024 and from 6:00 AM until service time on Friday, March 29, 2024 at Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc.  Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, March 29, 2024 at Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc.  There will be a private family graveside service at a later date.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Jane Hill Fortner of Trenton, TN. Joyce leaves behind her husband, S.J. (AL) Al-Kishaly of Franklin, KY; 4 children, MaryAnn (Steve) Baker, Kathy (Jeff) Meyers, Thomas (Dian) Edwards all of Tennessee and Christine (Charlie) Styles of Arizona; 10 Grandchildren, Stephenie Rogers, Roger (Melissa) Baker, Brian (Kristin) Meyers, Laura (Jeremy) Clemmer, Ben (Haley) Edwards, Rachel (Kevin) Sansom, Morgan (Alfred) Martinez, Tyler Fahey, Taylor Styles and Hunter Styles. 10 great-grandchildren, Timothy, Juliana, Nicholas, Delta, Daniel, Clara, Ella, Rhett, Ralston and Reese.

In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to Hosparus of Barren River, 101 Riverwood Ave STE B, Bowling Green, KY 42103 or to the Franklin First United Methodist Church, 107 North College St., Franklin, KY 42134, envelopes will be provided at the funeral home.   

Arrangements have been entrusted to Gilbert Funeral Home & Crematory.  The website is www.gilbertfhonline.com.  The Facebook page is Gilbert Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc.  The obituary phone line is 270-586-8844.