Obituary of Margaret Joyce Himes

It is with great sadness that the family of Joyce Himes announces the passing, on Saturday, July 20, 2019, at the age of 82 years. Joyce passed away at Northside Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL with her family at her side. 

Joyce was a very special person, she loved people and people loved her. She held several interesting jobs over her 82 years. From factory work, to A & W Root Beer restaurant she and her husband co-owned with his brother. In 1974 the family moved from Trion, GA to Ruskin, FL for new adventures. This included a building and running a mobile home park, then on to 

St. Petersburg Beach where they owned Gulf Tides Hotel for several years. After moving from the beach she worked in a children’s clothing factory. She and her husband began square dancing. They loved it so much they purchased Kings Kid Corral (which became Royal Petticoats) in Orlando, FL. a square dance store and manufacturer of the square dance petticoats. This is where the adventure really begins. It combined her biggest interest, a great hobby, people who became lifelong friends, and travel! Working conventions with the clothes and petticoats she traveled the country with her husband, Jim, and business sidekick, daughter Faye. After 11 years the business was sold and she is off on new adventures. Walmart was next. She worked at the Tyrone Store for 16 years. She worked nights, because she could do her job without the “BIG” bosses coming by, her words! Her special place at Walmart was the infant department. She loved the kids and had families coming in to say “hi” long after the children outgrew her department. She retired from Walmart and enjoyed traveling the country even more. Alaska was on top of her and Jim’s favorite places, but she was happy just going somewhere. She was scared of heights, hated water in her face so no swimming for her! She was quick to smile and laugh. She loved her Lord Jesus Christ; she loved her family, and her friends. She was a wonderful wife, mother, and a dear friend to so many. She was always willing to listen, offer advice, and quick to tell you “this too shall pass”. There are not enough words to say how much she will be missed. 

She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, James (Jim) Himes, Sons John Paul (Denise) Ramey, Box Springs, GA, Butch (Sharon) Ramey, Ruskin, FL, James (Suzette) Himes, Jr. Elizabethton, TN, Byron (Tammy) Becker, Cedartown, GA and daughter Faye (Tim) Marton, Gaylesville, AL. 

14 grandkids, 16 great grandkids and 4 great-great grandkids.  Brothers Carlton Simmons Trion, GA, Robert (Brenda) Simmons Lyerly, GA. one sister Ann (Albert) Johnson, Cloudland, GA. 

She is preceded in death by her parents Tommy & Ethel Stancil Simmons, son Victor Himes, daughters Betty Himes, Donna Bosserman. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joyce's memory to: St. Jude Children Hospital, www.stjude.org or Shriners Childrens Hospital, www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org

A visitation will be held at Sun City Center Funeral Home, Wednesday, July 24 at 11:00 am and the service will follow at 12:00 pm.