Joyce Carneal

1945 - 2025

Joyce Kennedy Carneal, a beloved wife, mother, teacher, and friend known for her sharp wit and humor, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025, in Ocala, Florida. She was 80 years old. Born on June 6, 1945, in Louisville, Kentucky, Joyce was the daughter of the late Porter Glen Kennedy and Juanita Burnett Kennedy. Her educational journey led her from graduating high school in Somerset, Kentucky, to earning degrees from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green and Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky. Joyce dedicated her professional life to education, serving as a beloved elementary school teacher at Grapevine Elementary School in Madisonville, Kentucky. She nurtured countless young minds with patience, enthusiasm, and a characteristic touch of humor. Joyce's greatest pride was her family. She is survived by her devoted husband of over 60 years, Samuel D. Carneal. Together, they built a beautiful life and a loving family. She is also survived by her two children: Kimberly Carneal Sanders and her husband, Kent Sanders, of Winchester, Tennessee, and Samuel G. Carneal and his husband, Shawn Crouch, of Lexington, Kentucky, and her sister Glenda Kennedy Brammer and her husband Rick Brammer, and their daughters, Kristina and Kathy. After her retirement, Joyce and Samuel divided their time between the Lexington, Kentucky area and The Villages, Florida, enjoying the fruits of their labors and the company of their many friends. Her unforgettable wit, infectious laugh, and genuine warmth touched all who knew her and will be profoundly missed. A Celebration of Life will be held in Lexington, Kentucky at a future date. Details regarding the service will be shared by the family when available.