Carolyn Joyce French

Carolyn Joyce Willard French November 16, 1932 – June 11, 2025 Carolyn Joyce French, age 92, of Gadsden, Alabama, and longtime resident of Irondale, passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord on June 11, 2025, in Trussville, Alabama. Born in Gadsden on November 16, 1932, she was the cherished daughter of William H. Willard (Elsie) and Ollie Maxine Runyan Evans (Blenner “Pale”). Joyce graduated from Emma Sansom High School and married the love of her life, Wilburn (Bill) Benton French, on May 2, 1952. Together, they built a life marked by unwavering faith, sacrificial love, and dedicated service. For over 40 years, Joyce ministered faithfully alongside Bill through Advocate Ministries in Irondale, Alabama—offering encouragement, prayer, and compassion to everyone she encountered. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ollie Maxine Evans; her father, William H. Willard; her husband, Bill French; and her son, Barry French, and great granddaughters, Addie and Catie Snead. She is survived by her children: Renee French Snead, Michael Benton French (Elisa), and Leslee French Hughes (Scott); her daughter-in-law, Janice French; her brother, Bill Willard; her sister-in-law, Billie Rogers; her grandchildren: Craig Snead (Amanda), Todd Snead (Tiffany), Joshua French (Michelle), Caleb French, Jacob French, Noah French, Mollie Hughes Blake (Logan), Kaitlyn Hughes, and Karis Hughes; and her great-grandchildren: Wilson Snead, Avery Snead, Audry Snead, Jaxon Snead, Lukas Snead, Barit Snead, Dodge Snead, Kolter Snead, Sarah French, and Ellie French. Joyce is also remembered by a large extended family and many dear friends. A celebration of Joyce’s life will be held on Saturday, June 15, at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Community Fellowship in Trussville, Alabama, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Services are under the care of Deerfoot Memorial Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Joyce’s memory by making a donation to the Fine U Foundation, a nonprofit founded by her granddaughter Kaitlyn that supports families with special needs. Address: 6647 Green Dr, Suite 107, Trussville, AL 35173 Website: www.fineufoundation.org The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Cavalier Healthcare of Trussville, who lovingly cared for Joyce over the past five years, and to Lindsey with Pro Health Hospice, whose steady presence and support were a blessing throughout her final season. Joyce French was a woman of deep faith, quiet strength, and unwavering love. She leaves behind a legacy of devotion—to her family, her calling, and her Savior. Her life touched generations, and her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.

Carolyn Joyce French

November 16, 1932 - June 11, 2025