Joyce Ann DeBord Bergquist

Joyce's remarkable journey began with a loving marriage to Eugene T Bergquist on December 27, 1951, in Ashland, Kentucky. Together, they raised a beautiful family that included children, Stephen G Bergquist (Margaret), Catherine B Reynolds (Stanley), Victoria B McCormack (John), and daughter in law Joyce W Bergquist, wife to her late son E. Timothy Bergquist. Joyce was a proud grandmother to Jeremiah Bergquist (Melissa), Ty Bergquist, Katelyn Bergquist, Miranda B Nesbitt, Aaron Bergquist, John Chandler Reynolds, Alicia B Parker (Brian), Brittany M Harrington (Chance), John Michael McCormack, and Zachariah McCormack. She was also a delighted great-grandmother to Dalton Nesbitt, Matthew Nesbitt, Abigail Nesbitt, Shyla Bergquist, Kia Bergquist, Channing Bergquist, Aislyn Bergquist, Vera Victoria Bostic, Kaya Parker, and Ailia Harrington. She was a beloved aunt to Rhonda D. Poirier (Rick), Charles Elliott (Denise), Sue Smith (Jim), Roger Elliott (Lori), David Kleycamp (WanTing), and Linda Kleycamp. Joyce was preceded in death by her cherished husband Eugene, her parents Charles and Betty Katherine S. DeBord, and her siblings Clifton DeBord, Eunice D. Hitchcock, Norman DeBord, Juanita D. Elliott, Althea D. Neese, and Betty D. Kleycamp.

Joyce's professional journey was as inspiring as her personal life. She served as Director of Training for Palmas Del Mar in Humacao, Puerto Rico, where she expanded her leadership skills to include the hospitality industry. During her time in Puerto Rico, she tirelessly worked to establish an adult educational program for the people of the community. A fiery advocate for those less fortunate, Joyce always set out to make things right and fair for every person in the communities she served. Later, she stepped into the role as the Senior Planner for the State of Georgia on Governor Jimmy Carter's staff, this was a testament to her commitment to public service. She spearheaded advancements in healthcare and education to the north Georgia Appalachian region, procuring nurse practitioners and introducing 5-K availability in public schools state-wide. Joyce later transitioned into real estate, bringing the first RE/MAX branch to Dothan, Alabama, where she excelled as a broker and owner, winning numerous awards for her dedication and hard work. In her later years, Joyce began to serve in a leadership role at the Christ Church International of Dothan, where she and her husband had attended services for many years together. Joyce was a loved and respected member of their ministry where she performed many tasks, including counseling, alongside the pastors of the church, Paul Estes (Anita) and David DeiVecchio (Peggy).

Joyce's interests were diverse and enriching. She loved to read late at night or in the wee hours of the morning. Otherwise, she kept herself busy with gardening, hosting prayer groups and sharing meals with friends in her home. She was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel on May 28, 1975, by Governor Julian M Caroll of Kentucky, an honor that spoke volumes of her character and dedication to her community and beyond. A woman of great strength and determination, Joyce's life was a testament to the power of resilience and the beauty of service.

In the face of adversity, Joyce remained a beacon of hope and strength, inspiring those around her to rise above challenges with grace and resilience. Her life was a beautiful tapestry of love, service, and achievement, woven with threads of courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication. A woman with the kindest and truest heart, who never settled for “satisfactory” but only accepted “exceptional” when it came to her standard of attention to detail and thoroughness in any of her work.

Joyce Ann DeBord Bergquist's legacy will live on in the hearts of the many lives she touched, a testament to her incredible journey. As we remember her, let's celebrate her life and the invaluable lessons she taught us about love, resilience, and selflessness. Joyce's life story is a powerful reminder that every day is a gift and an opportunity to make a difference. Her light will continue to shine brightly in our hearts, guiding and inspiring us in our journeys. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure; she is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.

Robert and Toni Byrd · Sunset Memorial Park

1700 Barrington Rd, Midland City AL · (334) 983-6604