Joyce Sadler Williams

Joyce Sadler Williams, 78, of Valdosta died Friday, May 11, 2018 at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. She was born on December 23, 1939 in Lowndes County to the late George W. and Emma Holland Sadler. Mrs. Williams was a member of the Church of Christ. She is survived by three sons and two daughters-in-law; Rick and Tami Williams of Nashville, F. David Williams of Valdosta, Timothy and Lena Williams of Barney; 11 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; her brother and sister-in-law, Russell and Pat Sadler of Adel. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, C. Richard Williams and several brothers and sisters.
Joyce will be remembered for her love for all people. Even more, it was her love for her husband, her boys, and her grandchildren, that made her so special. Prior to his death, Joyce and Richard enjoyed 57 years of marriage. Together, they raised three sons and a nephew. Side by side, day in and day out, they worked for their children and their grandchildren. As a team they worked without ceasing building multiple businesses together. From chauffeuring kids all over town, cheering at a Lowndes Vikings game, or working late into the night painting a house, they were together. Richard and Joyce did life together in every way.
While Richard served in the Valdosta Fire Department; Joyce worked at Levi Strauss, Sears, and, finally, First National Bank before beginning the first of several family businesses. Along with her husband, “Mrs. Joyce” opened the first Humpty Dumpty Play School. They grew the business to 3 separate locations in the Lowndes County area, touching the lives of thousands of families over 25 years. In 1991, they opened The Flower Depot and Garden Center where she was able to use her creativity to help others share love with one another. In 2010, Joyce and Richard began their retirement by opening the Oak Ridge Lodge, a community center, in Brooks County.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Carson McLane Funeral Home with her son, Rev. Rick Williams officiating. Burial will follow in McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at the Carson McLane Funeral Home. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home.