Reflections of Life
Joyce Lane Bruton
"Slim"
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." – John 3:16

Joyce Lane Bruton, born to Thomas Lane and Betty Lou Copeland Lane, was a lifelong resident of Greenville, FL. She was also the loving wife of 22 years to Willis Bruton, Jr. Preceding her in death were her parents; children, April Lane and Demetris Miller; and sisters, Ernestine Lane Arnold, Winnie Lane, Jacqueline Lane, and Ruby Dean Lane.

Joyce, affectionately called "Slim," treasured the time she spent with her family - especially her grandchildren, for she really loved pampering them. She was a housewife who also had a special talent for cooking and for making their house their home. Holiday family feast foods were always well received, especially her turkey and dressing; there was always enough for whoever dropped in.

For Joyce, relaxation was listening to gospel music or fishing for the catch of the day.

Having accepted the Lord as her personal Savior earlier in her life, Joyce dedicated her time and talent through her service at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. She looked forward to the Sundays she sang in the choir as well as the times she served as a member of the usher ministry.

On Friday, February 12, 2021, God dispatched a messenger from heaven to go and release Sister Joyce from her earthly life in preparation for her eternal home in glory, for which she prepared herself to go. God whispered: "Come, my child, I have prepared a special place just for you." Joyce fought a good fight, she kept the faith, and rejoiced to know she finished her course.

Cherishing her love, her life, and her legacy are: her devoted husband, Willis Bruton, Jr.; children, Kristie (Kevin) Gilley of Greenville, FL, Jerry (Jessie Clayton) Tatum of Tallahassee, FL, Willie (Lisa) Bruton of Monticello, FL, Germany (Janice) Bruton of Hinesville, GA, and Darlene (Gavin) Burch of Jacksonville, FL; step-children, Soleia Kee and John Kee of Jacksonville, FL, Willis A. (Tongela) Bruton of Valdosta, GA, and Mona Sanders, of Jacksonville, FL; sisters, Norma Lane Arnold, Rosa (Charles) Conway, Easter Lane (Freddie) Arnold, all of Greenville, FL, Sandra (Damon) Cobb of Perry, FL, Debra Dobbs of Tallahassee, FL, Elizabeth (Roosevelt) Manor, Kathleen (Ernest) Wooten, Phyllis Hampton, Janice Butler, all of Greenville, FL, Nellie Sykes of Jacksonville, FL, and Gloria Jones of Greenville, FL; brothers, Sammy (Carla) Lane and Jessie Dansey, both of Greenville, FL, Love (Andrea) Simmons, of Kathleen, GA, George (Jeanette) Brooks of Valdosta, GA, Abraham Brooks of Jasper, FL, Donald Butler of Spokane, WA, Alonzo (Elizabeth) Butler, Sr., of NY, Willie L. Davis of Madison, FL, Eli Butler of Monticello, FL, Kenneth Butler of Madison, FL, and Terry Hampton of Greenville, FL; grandchildren, raise as children: Shayon Davis, Zillie Daniels IV, Kevin Gilley, Jr. and Ta'Kiyah Gilley; 13 grandchildren: special aunt, Rosa (Charlie) Arnold of Greenville, FL; godson, James Pleas of Tallahassee, FL; goddaughter, Lashondra Crumity of Greenville, FL; special friend: Rethema Horne; and numerous other loving relatives and sorrowing friends.