Joy Elaine Ward Gantt

Joy Elaine Ward Gantt of Cross City, Florida, passed away at her home Wednesday, May 18, 2022, after a long illness. She was 80. Joy was born to James Jackson Ward and Aldie Locke Goodson, and except for her husband’s military duty, was a life-long resident of Cross City, Florida. She graduated from Dixie County High School in 1959. On February 20, 1960, she married John Scott Gantt. While she occasionally worked short-term jobs, she took pride in being a stay-at-home wife and mother. Joy’s service to her community was a by-product of her Christian faith. As the catering coordinator at Pentecostal Holiness Church, she used that position to enrich the lives of all who knew her. Joy believed she was called to be a “Martha in a Mary’s world” and was happiest behind the scenes. She was a tireless volunteer and faithful servant who was always available. Joy was preceded in death by her parents, Jackson and Aldie; her sister, Louella Howard; and her husband, Scott Gantt. She is survived by her children, Kim (Bobby) Mann, Mike (Tonda) Gantt, and Candi (Paul) Gainey. Joy’s grandchildren are Erin (Javier) Gonzalez, Heather (Brandon) Logan, Elaine Standridge, Sonja Linderman, Michael, Scott and Bobby Mann; Kelsey (Kristian) Corbin, Mollie (Tim) Davis, Michael (Heather) Gantt, and Kadee (Brandon) Walker; and Macaele and Paislee Gainey. Joy has thirty great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. She is also survived by her sister, Eloise (Eddie) Parrott; her brother, L.E. (Margaret) Ward; several nieces and nephews and their children and grandchildren. Most people in our community simply called her Nana Joy. Funeral services for Mrs. Gantt will be held 2:00 PM Sunday, May 22, 2022 at the Rick Gooding Funeral Home, Cross City Chapel, with Rev. Raymond Wilcox and Rev. Lester Whitehead officiating. Interment will follow at the Cross City Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday evening, May 21, 2022, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Cross City Pentecostal Holiness Church. Arrangements have been placed under the care of the Rick Gooding Funeral Home Cross City Chapel, with locations in Cross City 352-498-5400 and Chiefland 352-493-0050. Please sign the online guest book at rickgoodingfuneralhomes.com

Joy Elaine Ward Gantt

May 27, 1941 - May 18, 2022