Joyce Shirley Simmons Killingsworth, 90, of Huntsville passed peacefully away on January 15, 2025. She will be best remembered for her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, her boundless love for her family, and her zest for life.

Mrs. Killingsworth was born January 9, 1935, in Jacksonville, Florida, to Ruby Louise Young Simmons Curtis Craig and Wattie Leroy Simmons. When she was just seven years old, her father, a Merchant Marine during WWII, was killed when his ship was torpedoed by a German submarine.

One of her favorite memories of her childhood was visiting what is now called Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.  While the elephants were her favorite, she also enjoyed listening to the sound of the lions' roar at night. She shared her love of Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens by visiting it yearly with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild.

As the oldest sibling of three, she had a special bond with her two younger brothers.  Unfortunately, her youngest brother, Jimmy, passed away in 1999, but she deeply cherished her daily phone calls with Hugh, who she affectionately called 'Brother.'

In 1954, Mrs. Killingsworth graduated from Landon High School. That same year, she met Hugh Killingsworth, who was stationed at NAS Jacksonville, and they married in August. The couple moved to Huntsville, Alabama, in 1965. While living in Huntsville, Mrs. Killingsworth served her family as a stay-at-home mom and later returned to the workforce after her husband became ill. She worked for First Alabama Bank, from which she later retired in 2002. Mrs. Killingsworth was a longtime member of Jackson Way Baptist Church where she enjoyed teaching Sunday School for many years and was a frequent visitor at Sherwood Baptist Church.

Mrs. Killingsworth loved traveling with her family, cheering on her children and grandchildren at various events, daily walks with her dachshund, Bear, gardening, and playing Hand Foot and Elbow with her weekly card group.

She was preceded in death by Hugh Edward Killingsworth; her parents: Ruby Louise Young Simmons Curtis Craig and Wattie Leroy Simmons; and brother: Frank James Curtis. She is survived by two children: Edward Killingsworth (Kamela) and Lydia Drennan (Charles); four grandchildren: Gillian Carusone (Cameron), Graham Carusone, Matthew Drennan (Kryn), and Mark Drennan; two great-grandchildren: Andrew Carusone-Patten and Judah Drennan; brother: Hugh Simmons, as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to the caring staff of Rocket City Rehab and Healthcare, as well as the supportive staff of Huntsville Hospital's Hospice Family Care.

The family will receive friends at Berryhill Funeral Home on Monday, January 20th, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM.
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Mrs. Killingsworth will be laid to rest in a private family service in Jacksonville, Florida.

In Lieu of flowers, please make donations in Mrs. Killingsworths name to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. LINK BELOW.

M AKE DONATIONS HERE TO JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS