Joyce Branyon Hugghins

Mrs. Joyce Branyon Hugghins, 83, of Red Level, passed away Saturday morning Feb. 27, 2016, at her home with her husband.

Funeral services wwere held Mon., Feb. 29, at the First Presbyterian Church with Dr. Bob Madsen officiating the service, Interment followed in Longbranch Cemetery in Cohassitt.

Joyce was born June 8, 1932, in Birmingham to George Powell Branyon and Emily Laney Branyon. She grew up there and graduated from Ensley High School. Joyce loved to play the violin and earned first chair at state.

In the winter of 1950, she and her sister, Emily, left home to attend Auburn University. It was there she met her husband, Harry C. Hugghins of Red Level, and embarked upon the time of their lives. There has yet to be a more loyal Auburn fan. She and Harry married Oct. 28, 1951, and made their home in Red Level.

A consummate mother and homemaker, Joyce hosted elegant dinner parties for her friends and cooked endless meals for her children and their friends, “the river rats,” all with equal aplomb. She loved to travel and was always looking forward to their next trip. Auburn football games were a huge part of her life and resulted in many fabulous memories, regardless of the score. Her home was always open and she welcomed all who came to her door with a ready smile.

Joyce was active in Andalusia Cynosure Club and was very proud of its members, her friendships and their accomplishments. She was an unflappable Southern lady who commanded respect without ever raising her voice, or as one grandchild commented, “an iron fist in a velvet glove.” She had a dry wit that could surprise and delight when least expected. One could never have hoped for a better role model. She shared her wisdom when asked, listened attentively, never lectured or gossiped, and showed immeasurable patience, deserved or undeserved. Two beliefs she held close were one never outgrows the golden rule and there is never an excuse for bad manners.

Joyce is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Harry Hugghins; two daughters and sons-in-law, Denise Hugghins Brooks and Bob Brooks; and Kay Hugghins and Lynn Shreve;

six grandchildren, Colin Hugghins Brooks, Emily Brooks Crowson, Alicia Kay Brooks, Tally Morrow (Kyle) Carter and Evan Sullivan Tisdale Brooks; three great-grandchildren, Morgan Patrick Crowson, Dexter Matthew Crowson and James Robert Carter; her sister, Emily Branyon Lindsey; and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Ben Hugghins, John Hugghins, Thomas Hugghins, Michael Hugghins, Jeffery Hugghins, and Shad Williams

Donations in Joyce’s memory may be made to the Andalusia Public Library or First Presbyterian Church of Andalusia.

Those unable to attend the services may sign the guest registry online at www.foremanfuneralhome.com.