Joycie Marilyn Meyers

Joycie Marilyn Meyers was born in Atlanta, Georgia on June 25th, 1935, to Gus and Dora Meyers. She grew up in Gainesville, Georgia where her parents owned a shoe store. As a young girl she experienced discrimination and mistreatment due to her family's Jewish faith. As a result, she always had a strong sense of fairness and a belief in human equality and compassion for all people. Her life was dedicated to helping and caring for others and she had a strong voice for equality in the civil rights and women’s movements. She married James Fortner at the age of 15. After they married, he attended seminary and became a Methodist preacher. Joycie converted to Christianity at that time and was involved in church in a variety of ways, including playing the piano. She had an abiding spirituality that deepened and sustained her throughout her life. Joycie had 4 children, 3 daughters and a son. Even with a full household, Joycie was able to complete her education. She completed an AA degree in Liberal Arts at Central Wesleyan College, then a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology/Education, and later a Master of Education degree in Counseling & Guidance. She had a successful career as a teacher and a mental health counselor. Joycie had a lifelong love of nature. As child, she and her father would frequently go exploring and driving on Sundays. She shared this love of nature and exploration with her children. They explored many state parts and national parks across the country. They sometimes ended up in some far out, very odd places on these ventures of hers. She loved animals of all kinds and the family had an abundance of pets. When she was younger, when animal control and vet care were not as available, she was known to sew up a cat or two and save their lives. After an unexpected freeze, the family hamsters, who stayed out in a covered area in the yard, were found cold and stiff. Joycie put them in a warm oven on a cookie and revived 12 of them (their little hearts had not quit beating). She rescued snakes off the road and even welcomed one black snake in as pet. Joycie was very creative and could decorate, recover furniture, sew curtains and clothes. She was resourceful and a great problem solver. She fixed all kinds of things and knew why and how things worked. She was an avid reader and always had a book close at hand. She loved learning and would apply what she learned to her life. She made health drinks years before smoothies became popular. She lived in the Athens, Georgia for many years and then moved to Florida in the early 80’s where she worked as a licensed mental health counselor (supervisor and director in later years). Her concentration was substance abuse and alcoholism counseling. She lived in St. Augustine, Florida for about 15 years. Though she lived away from most of her family, Florida was a great place to visit and vacation and she had frequent visits from her children and grandchildren. Joycie loved the ocean. Joycie moved back to Athens in 2002 to be near her daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Ed, who were devoted to her care. She particularly enjoyed it when Ed would bring his guitar over and sing and play her favorite gospel hymns. Her sense of humor, her sweet smile, and her grateful and pleasant demeanor made her a favorite among her wonderful caregivers. Joycie is survived by her children, Deborah Fortner Goswick and Ed Goswick of Watkinsville, GA; Katherine Fortner Doerge of Arlington, TX; Alathea Jeanette Fortner of Oregon House, CA, and Kenneth Meyer Fortner of Bushnell, FL. She has 7 grandsons, 2 granddaughters, and 4 great-granddaughters. Joycie was cremated and a private memorial service will be held at a later date. Family and friends are encouraged to celebrate the blessings of her life in a personal meditation in your favorite garden, park, or other natural area. Berry Funeral Home & Crematory, Elberton is assisting the family of Mrs. Joycie Marilyn Meyers.