Joyce Braden, 83, formerly of Galion passed away Monday, February 22, 2021, at home after an extended illness surrounded by her daughters.
Born June 17, 1937, in Leesburg, Florida, she was the daughter of Hershel Perry Atkinson, Laura Belle (Tinch) Atkinson, and EvaDean Atkinson. She married Alan Braden on July 16, 1969, and he preceded her in death on December 8, 2012.
She attended school in Banner Springs, Tenn. Joyce was involved in the day-to-day operation of the family dairy farm in Morrow County. Her passion was being an EMT starting as a volunteer EMT in Iberia in the 1970’s and proudly served as a Captain for many years. Later she became an EMT for Galion Ambulance Services. She found great joy in serving her community by being able to give aid and comfort to those in need. After leaving the ambulance service she worked at Lifetouch in Galion and retired from there.
Her hobbies were bowling and beloved bingo, including her underground bingo game held at her home and time spent with her family.
She is survived by daughters, Vicki Hawk of Mt. Gilead, Terri Gale of Galion, Tonya (Haven) Shenefield of Galion, Trudi Owens of Galion, and Michelle (Kevin) Rinehart of Broken Arrow, OK.; grandchildren Jason Crockett, Chad Steele, James Crockett, Kristi Barton, Ashley Borders, Casey Shenefield, Whitley Willis, Laura Richards, Samantha Campbell, Wade Hawk, Justina Barth, and Andrew Utter; 20 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; brothers, Wendell (Cindy) Atkinson, Dennis (Kay) Atkinson and Ben Atkinson; sister, Faye (Bob) Harville, Doris Atkinson, Karen (Lee) Little, Retha Davidson and Joella (Phillip) Clark all of Tennessee; sister-in-law, Linda Lacomb Williams of Tampa, Florida and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by brothers, Danny Atkinson, Randy Atkinson, Lonnie Atkinson, and two infant boys and sisters, Annabelle Martin and Reba LaRue.
The family will receive friends Saturday, February 27, 2021, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the memorial service which will be held at 3:00 at the Pines Christian Church, 6775 St. Rt. 42, Mt. Gilead, Ohio with Dr. Jeff Collins officiating. A private burial will be held for the family at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Northmor Music Boosters in the care of the funeral home.
Richardson Davis Chapel of Snyder Funeral Homes in Galion is honored to serve the family of Joyce Braden, and condolences may be made to them at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.