Joyce Freddie Gardner, age 77, of Perkins, Georgia, went home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on September 21, 2026.

Born on October 17, 1948, in Toombs County, Georgia, Joyce was the beloved daughter of the late Fred and Mildred Toole. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend whose kindness and love touched countless lives.

Joyce was united in marriage to the love of her life, Jack Gardner, and together they shared 56 wonderful years of marriage before his passing. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work.

For more than 20 years, Joyce was well known throughout the community of Sardis, Georgia as the owner and operator of Joyce's Beauty Shop. Her salon was more than a business; it was a place where friendships were formed and memories were made.

Her greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was her family. Joyce was fiercely devoted to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and she dedicated her life to their care, happiness, and well-being. Through countless sacrifices, endless love, and unwavering support, she created a legacy that will live on through the generations she cherished so deeply. She treasured family gatherings and found great joy in cooking for her family and tending to her flowers and gardens. Her warm smile, caring spirit, and unwavering love for those around her will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Jack Gardner; her parents, Fred and Mildred Toole; her brothers, W.F. Toole, Harvey Toole, Creighton Toole, and Wilton Toole; and her sisters, Eloise Atkins and Carolyn Meeks.

She is survived by her children, Jeff (Tori) Gardner, Liz (Jerome) Walker, and Brenda (Jason) Schmidt; her grandchildren, Dalton (Quinton) Barefoot, AJ (Allison) Walker, Megan (Dusty) Belk, Neil (Rachel) Gardner, Emily Gardner, Faith Thompson, Madison Sasser, David Royal III, Gage Royal, and Aubrey Mantooth; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Liam Belk, Brendalynn Belk, Lincoln Belk, Vinnie Belk, Lucy Belk, Alli Barefoot, Charlie Gardner, Jackson Gardner, John Gardner, and Maryann Gardner.

 "Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates."Proverbs 31:28, 31

A graveside service to celebrate Joyce's life will be held at Lyons City Cemetery on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

"Her love will remain in our hearts forever." ❤️