Joyce Sanford , a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend, was born in Huntsville, Alabama, to the late Charles and Jeanette Ray. She passed away surrounded by loved ones, leaving behind a legacy of strength, love, and unwavering dedication to her family.

She attended Cavalry Hill, Councill Training Schools and after High School she moved to Florida, Georgia and Lexington, KY. At a very young age she accepted Christ at Little Flock Primitive Baptist Church. She was the devoted wife of Freddie L. Sanford and the mother of her late son, Andre Horton.

Memories cherished will always and forever be in the hearts of: her daughter, Teri "Tara" Horton Baldwin (Melvin); stepson, Freddie Collins; and nephew like a son, Kerry Ray. She was a proud and loving grandmother of: Devonte Robinson, DeAndre Hughes, Andre Horton Jr, Kierra James (Devaris), Tierra Dixon (Quinton), and step granddaughters, Kayla and Alina Collins. She was blessed to become a great grandmother to Brielle James and Aulora Dixon. Joyce had four bonus grandchildren and seven bonus great grandchildren bringing her tremendous joy. She was a loving sister to Charles Ray (Debra), Anthony Ray (Mona), Patricia Tibbs, Sharon Washington (Robert), Wanda Ray, and Janice Ray. She loved her aunts, Marie Drake (Richard) and Fannie Bradford. All of her cousins, nephews and nieces were very special to her. Along with the host of great nephews and great nieces.

Joyce's life was deeply rooted in family, and she will be remembered for her warmth, her strength, and the love she gave so freely.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Funeral service for Mrs. Joyce R. Sanford aka "Bonnie Ray" of Lexington, Kentucky formerly of Huntsville, Alabama, will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Madkins Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church in American with Rev. Dr. Edward Anderson officiating. Interment will follow at Crowson Hill Cemetery. Mrs. Sanford will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral service time at Madkins Chapel CPCA.

Public viewing will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025 from 9:00 AM-6:00 PM at Nelms Memorial Funeral Home.