Joyce Self Hanson

Joyce Self Hanson, age 80, passed away July 3, 2024. Joyce was a resident of Oneonta, Alabama, where she and husband Gene enjoyed their retirement years. Joyce is survived by her daughter Dana (Jim Ed) Clayton, her grandsons Drew (Joanna) Clayton, Kevin (Courtney) Clayton, and great-grandchildren Anjali, Sanjana, Caleb, Rohin, and Paul Clayton. She is also survived by her sister Marie (Felton) Canady, brothers Charles (Betty Anne) Self and Vann (Sharon) Self, sisters-in-law Tricia Bellamy and Alice (Paul) Hollis, as well as a host of nieces and nephews, and all who affectionately call her “Meme.” She also leaves her faithful feline companion, Miss Kitty. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 59 years Gene Hanson, her beloved son Frank Hanson, parents Norman and Ruby Self, brother-in-law Jerry Bellamy, sister-in-law Elaine (Fred) Phillips, and grandson Wesley Frazier Clayton.

Born April 30,1944, Joyce grew up in Chalkville, Alabama, and graduated from Hewitt-Trussville High School. She married the love of her life Gene Hanson in 1961. They welcomed their special son Frank Eugene Hanson into the world on March 24, 1962. She and Gene spent their life lovingly attending to Frank and always made time for their special Sundays together.

Joyce was employed as an Executive Assistant serving senior leadership at Alabama Power Company for more than 33 years. Joyce was known for her professionalism and always being the best dressed person in the room.

Joyce lived a life characterized by kindness, beauty, and generosity. She loved to give gifts for even the smallest of occasions and doted on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren any chance she got. Joyce loved to host gatherings for her family, knowing that they would end in desserts and board games where she was often the victor, displaying her subtle, but fierce competitiveness. Joyce and Gene loved to travel and experience new places, particularly in their retirement years ranging all over - from Hawaii to Scotland. Joyce was also known for her love of her garden, always making sure everything looked perfect, and wasn’t afraid to call upon her son-in-law or grandsons when she needed some heavy lifting for her newest design change. She cherished close relationships with her Limestone Springs neighbors, former coworkers, and dear friends she had made throughout her life. An active member of St. Mark United Methodist Church, Joyce rarely missed a service or special event.

Joyce’s family will receive friends at Deerfoot Memorial Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 9. Visitation will begin at noon, service at 1:00 p.m., and a graveside service to follow at Clay Methodist Cemetery in Clay, Alabama. Officiating will be Pastors Drew Clayton and Harvey Beck. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Blount County Children’s Center, a charitable agency that she loved dearly.