Joyce Odom Nolan

Funeral services for Joyce Odom Nolan, of Sterlington, LA, will be held at 1:00 P.M., Monday, March 25, 2024 at First Baptist Church in Sterlington. Brother Ben Hackler will officiate and interment will follow at Liberty Hill – Taylor Cemetery in Farmerville under the care and direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes in Monroe. Visitation will be held prior to the service at the church from Noon until 1:00 P.M.

Joyce was born on November 27, 1926, in Farmerville, LA to Ellis and Celeste Tucker Odom. She went home to be with the Lord on March 21, 2024 at the age of 97. Joyce was a wife, mother, aunt, sister, and friend. In 1947, she married Garlon L. Nolan and together had a son, Lanny. Joyce was a faithful servant to her Lord Jesus Christ. She was an active member of First Baptist Church of Sterlington beginning in the 1950’s. Joyce led and participated in Women on Missions and taught Sunday school for more than 40 years. She exhibited Christ’s love for people and was especially determined that her family knew the Lord. Joyce enjoyed traveling, eventually visiting every state. She organized many family reunions. Joyce worked at the Sterlington Bank in various capacities for many years. Later in life, she was a homemaker and enjoyed gardening. Joyce will be remembered for her gentle spirit and sweet smile. She was preceded in death by her husband, Garlon L. Nolan; infant son, Lanny; parents, Ellis and Celeste Tucker Odom; sister, Lona Grace Odom Terral; niece, Mary Sue Terral Eldridge; nephew, Robert Lane Terral; and great nephew, Robert Max “Jr” Eldridge.

Joyce is survived by her great niece, Donna Eldridge Harris (Claude); great-great nephews, Jason Eldridge, Justin Harris (Holly); great-great niece, Stephanie Harris Beeson (Scott); great-great-great niece, Olivia Beeson; great-great-great nephew, Hunter Harris; and many other cherished family and friends that loved her dearly.

Special thanks to Susan Sweat, whose dedication allowed Joyce to remain in her home another year, and to Sophia Traylor and Elara Caring Hospice for their dedication and the care provided, especially in the final days.

Pallbearers will be Claude Harris, Jason Eldridge, and Scott Beeson.

Memorials may be made in Joyce’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or First Baptist Church of Sterlington.