CARLSON, Mary “Joyce” (Kimsey) Carlson, 86, of Norcross, Georgia, entered peacefully into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 1st, 2018, in the home of her daughter, Karen and her son-in-law, Bob Jernigan, in Talmo, Georgia.  Joyce was born, May 8th, 1931 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to the late William L. Kimsey and Carrie Mable Elrod Kimsey.

Joyce moved to Atlanta at an early age and graduated from Atlanta Girls High School. Early in her life and for many years she was active in the Christian and Missionary Alliance church both in Sunday School and music programs.  It was here she met her husband, David M. Carlson.  Most recently she and Dave were members at Cornerstone Bible Church.

She worked for several years for the retail store, Davisons in Atlanta.  Although her husband traveled a great deal with the companies he worked for, she was able to rear their family moving from one city to another.  Joyce also worked for Southern Bell, and later served as her husband’s administrative assistant in his television and electronics services businesses.

She was a loving wife for 67 years.  As a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grand mother, she made it her priority to show special care for them.  She loved studying the Scriptures and was an avid member of a women’s Bible study where she established deep friendships.

Joyce was truly a “Proverbs 31 Woman.” “Her children shall rise up and call her blessed.”  She is considered by her family and those who knew her best, as a woman who loved the Lord, a “spiritual giant” with a kind, gentle, sacrificial, and loving spirit. She lived her life as a servant of others.

She is survived by her husband, Dave Carlson, her son Dave Carlson, Jr. of Snellville, Georgia; daughter, Karen and her husband Bob Jernigan of Talmo, Georgia; her son, Tim Carlson and his wife, Susan of Asheville, North Carolina; and daughter Lisa and her husband Terry Lewis of Charlotte, North Carolina.  Joyce is the proud grandmother of 15 grand-children and 22 great-grand-children and still counting!  Joyce had five brothers, W.L. Jr., Roy, Gene, Lloyd, and Don and one sister, Mildred, all who pre-deceased her.  She also had many nephews and nieces.

A worship and memorial service to honor God and the work He has done in and through the life of Joyce Carlson will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 6th, 2018, at Cornerstone Bible Church, 869 Cole Drive SW, Lilburn, Georgia, 30047. Pastor Peter O’Neill will officiate.

As a spouse of a veteran, Joyce will be buried at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia.  A remembrance grave marker will also be placed at her family plot at Greenlawn Cemetery in Roswell, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be sent to the Gideons International at www2.gideons.org/donate

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