Joyce Marie Fitts

CAHABA MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL: Announce with deepest sympathy the passing of Mrs. Joyce Fitts on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.  

JOYCE'S LIFE STORY: How do we say goodbye to a woman that taught us so much with her life? From cooking comforting meals to a simple surprise text checking on one's
well being, Joyce's presence was known. She was filled with laughter, life, and love, while her kindness was unparalleled. The source of Joyce's interests and laughter never ceased to amaze those who loved and surrounded her. She was also willing to learn a new thing or two wherever she could if time and patience permitted. On top of that she was a gifted singer and used that gift to honor God whenever she could. All of this was bundled into the person we knew as.... Daughter, Sister, Mom, Aunt, Grandma, God Mom, Church Mother, and..... Friend. Joyce Marie Stevens was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA to her parents Alonzo Sr. & Mary Stevens. She was loved dearly by her parents, and held fond memories of them all of her life. Joyce went on to meet Olen Fitts Sr. in her early 20s. The two went on to get married, and have two wonderful sons: Olen Fitts, Jr. and Reginald Fitts. She was a devoted mother and wife, while also working as the supervisor of housekeeping at Moss Rehabilitation Hospital for 23 years. Once their sons were grown, Joyce took the major leap of leaving Philadelphia, and started a new life in Centerville, AL
in 1991 with her husband. Sometime later, her sons followed that same road to Alabama. While inspiring such a new trend in her children's lives, Mrs. Fitts also joined a new church, Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, where in her later years she took on the role of becoming a "Mother of the Church". Joyce also put her good heart and time to use by becoming a volunteer for
15 years at Bibb County Hospital in the gift shop. Her charity did not end there, she showed God’s love by becoming an avid donator to the St. Judd organization. Joyce’s display of God’s heart through her was not just limited to donations and volunteer time. It was also found in the relationships that were near and dear to her and in her community. She supported the edu-
cation and life actions of her grandchildren by searching out scholarships; researching and sending them information on pursing a thesis; and supporting and praying for their interests. She was a reminder of God's presence and understanding to her son, while being a source of motherly love to her daughter -in- law. She developed deeper loving relationships with members
of the church after grief and tragedy struck her life again with the passing of her husband in 2010. In her later years, she spoke highly of learning the true value of independence,
and the good that it presented for women, while it took her time to experience this, she did not feel that she was behind the curve of life's turns with God on
her side. So again, how do we say goodbye...? Through trusting God; living the path He has for us; and using Joyce’s life as an example. This is the lesson Joyce left with her life story: That despite good days or bad days we are to humbly serve, and to remember that God is a gentle redeemer. That He restores; and what He restores He sets anew.... new path, new love, new
chapter. Joyce will be missed dearly by all who knew her. Her light was immense, and will not be easily dimmed or forgotten. The greatest lessons Joyce gave with her light was to trust God and be understanding to others. Mrs. Fitts is preceded by her son Reginald Fitts (1991); her parents Alonzo Sr. & Mary Stevens (1998 & 2009); her husband Olen Fitts Sr. (2010), her
brother, Alonzo Stevens Jr. (2020), and daughter-in-law Vanessa Matthews-Fitts (2022). Joyce leaves behind her son Olen Fitts Jr.; grandchildren Aretha Matthews, Gerald Fitts, Darnell Fitts, and Joseph Fitts; and siblings Robert Stevens (Thelma); Joseph Stevens (Rita); and Glades Patterson. Joyce also leaves behind a host of beautiful nieces and nephews; cousins; and a loving church family.

PUBLIC VIEWING: Will be held at Cahaba Memorial Funeral Chapel on Friday, April 3, 2026 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

FUNERAL SERVICE: Will be held at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Centreville, Alabama 35042 on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 11:00 AM.

INTERMENT: Cooper Cemetery in Centreville, Alabama

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