Alice Joy Bramley

Alice Joy Bramley
Alton - Alice "Joy" Bramley, 84, died at 2:35 p.m. Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at Evelyn's House in St. Louis, MO. Born July 7, 1941 in St. Louis, MO, she was the daughter of Homer L. Sr. and Alice Loy (Wise) Harder. She married Gene Bramley on January 11, 1963 in Alton. He survives. Also surviving are three daughters, Tamara "Tammi" Bramley-Cash (Greg) of Alton, Reverend Angeline "Angi" Tharakan of Springfield, MO, and Mitzi Mellenthin (Jeff) of Missouri City, TX. One of her favorite titles was Oma to her surviving eight grandchildren, Chelsea (Jack) Miller, Abigail (Phillip) Knoche, Joseph (Maribel) Mellenthin, Hope Cash (Levi Davies), Noah (Anna) Cash, Jonathan Mellenthin (Zerryn Hogan), Asha and Amrit Tharakan; eight great grandchildren, Yesica (Gilbert), Jose, Henri, Natalie, Amy, Buddy, Adelina and James and one great great grandchild, Antonella. She is also survived by a sister, Linda Basden (Rich) of Michael, IL, and a sister-in-law, Barbara Harder of Edwardsville, along with several nieces, nephews, and other extended family. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Homer L. "Bud" Harder, Jr. and a sister and brother-in-law, Kathleen "Kathy" and Richard Harting, and her in-laws, Vern E. and Estelle J. (Yager) Bramley.
A woman of deep, personal faith, Joy was a prayer warrior and lived a life of service to her Lord. A faithful member of the Upper Alton Baptist Church, she served as a Sunday School, VBS, and Pioneer Club teacher; was active in the Jewell Circle, in church leadership, and other mission-related work. She was a camp counselor, director, and a Camp Board member for the Great Rivers Region of the American Baptist Churches. She also was active with Women's Aglow.
Joy graduated with the first class of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (on the Alton campus) and was a classroom and substitute teacher for many years. In her later years Joy began painting as a hobby, finding a real passion and talent for her craft. Her family and many others will treasure her priceless art. She also taught painting classes at Evergreen Place. The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to the staff of Evergreen for the loving care she received there. Joy lived out her name with an infectious smile and an always ready hug.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Upper Alton Baptist Church on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 11 a.m. with a meal to follow. Reverend Brad Donoho will be officiating. Attendees are asked to bring, if able, a non-perishable food item for a community agency.
Memorials may be made to Upper Alton Baptist Church.
Gent Funeral Home in Alton was in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com.