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Joyce Ervin O’Malley

Joyce Ervin O’Malley

November 27, 1935 – December 31, 2022

Joyce Ervin O’Malley, 87, passed away peacefully December 31, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Joyce was born November 27, 1935 to Samuel James Ervin (S.J.) and Anne Williamson Ervin of Countryside in Rock West (Possum Bend) near Camden, Alabama.
After graduating in 1954 from Wilcox County High School, she attended the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia. She later transferred to the University of Alabama and earned a BA in Education.
After graduation, Joyce moved to Atlanta and began a teaching career that would span 42 years. Joyce taught at Brown High School, where she met Scranton, Pennsylvania native Joseph Patrick O’Malley, who came south to play football and basketball at the University of Georgia. Joyce and Joe wed August 3, 1960 and were married for 54 years. She also taught at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School in Decatur, Georgia.
In 1972, the O’Malley family moved to Conyers, Georgia where Joyce taught in the Rockdale County School system for 23 years at both Main Street Middle School and Heritage High School. She taught typing, computers and business education and headed up the Vocational Department. Joyce developed long-lasting friendships with both her fellow teachers and students.

Joyce was an avid bridge player. She enjoyed traveling with family and friends and attending countless sporting events to watch and cheer on her children and grandchildren.
When she retired, Joyce was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Red Hat Society, the Pilot Club of Conyers and numerous Bible studies.
Joyce was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt. Her kind demeanor, generous spirit and sweet smile will be greatly missed.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Patrick O’Malley, fondly known as “Big Joe;” her sisters Susan Cherry Ervin McKelvey and Sarah Anne Ervin Kimball.
She is survived by her daughter Karen Anne LaPlatney (Pat LaPlatney) of Atlanta, Ga.; son Joseph Patrick O’Malley (Lima O’Malley) of Franklin, Tenn.; son James Michael O’Malley (Tracey O’Malley) of Bishop, Georgia; grandsons Jack, Dan, Sam and Chris LaPlatney; and granddaughter Anna O’Malley.
A celebration of life service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Camden, Alabama at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First Presbyterian Church (P. O. Box 242, Camden, AL 36726) or a charity of your choice.

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