On November 26th, 2021 Joan (Joanie) Anetta Doyal returned home to her Lord and Savior in heaven. She joins the love of her life, Troy Doyal, Sr and her doting parents, Floid and Leonia Ireland.

Joanie was born on October 4th, 1936 in Long Beach, CA. The only surviving child of Floid and Leonia, she was their greatest joy. As a Navy family, they moved frequently throughout her childhood, sparking a lifelong love of travel and adventure. Some of her fondest memories and favorite duty stations ranged from Key West to Alaska, Hawaii to Panama City. But the move that changed her life forever came at age 17 when she traveled to Norfolk and met a handsome, young sailor. Together they created a family and weathered the challenges of a life well-lived. They devoted their lives to their families, friends, and to Christ. They tried, in all ways, to live up to Christ's example.

Joanie had a gift for making lasting friendships wherever she went and every new house quickly became a welcoming and comfortable home. Everyone was welcome and everyone was made to feel like family. Joanie's heart and loving soul knew no limitations - we all found shelter in her wonderful hugs, beautiful smiles, and infectious laughter. She always tried to make the best of bad situations, found the good in people, and felt a keen responsibility to help her fellow man. She did not let the grass grow under her feet, keeping busy and moving forward to life's next gifts and surprises. In the final decades of her life, she particularly enjoyed the company of her church family and her card playing buddies. No card game was too long when played with such good friends.

She also had a love for animals that matched her love for her friends and family (if not more). She cared for many pets in her lifetime, that included the mice on her grandparent's farm. She could always be found feeding the animals anywhere she went, even if national park signs and park rangers forbid her. The warning was always followed by an "oh poo".

Joanie appreciated and understood the importance of beauty in your surroundings. She had an artistic eye that allowed her to seamlessly marry family heirlooms, garage sale finds, and treasures from her travels into a cohesive decorating style that reflected her love of eclectic pieces. She was also a talented artist who enjoyed creating beauty for herself and others. Her gift for art and artistic expression carried through to many of her children and grandchildren. Additionally, she shared a love of reading with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Books made for a quiet companion between each destination the Navy took them to. You could always find a good book to read at Grammy's house.

By whatever name you knew her by - Mother, Mom, Honey, Grammy, Joan, or Joanie - you knew someone uniquely special who will always be missed.

She is survived by her five loving children - Lyn (Dale) Bolton, Karen Karst, Troy Doyal, Jr, Bobby (Maggie) Doyal, and Melody Doyal - as well as her daughter-in-law Oneda Doyal, 14 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Son-in-laws Robert Bolton and John Karst, and sister-in-law Doris Simon preceded her in death.

A memorial service will be held at the Church of Christ in El Dorado on Thursday December 2, 2021 at 1pm, followed by a graveside service at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Church of Christ.

*Please know that the family welcomes anyone who would like to join us in celebrating Joanie's life, but it is our highest priority that people remain healthy and do not risk themselves during this time of Covid and flu season. We more than understand the need to remain at home. There is no time limit on sharing memories and fellowship. There will be many opportunities in the months and years to come to share our memories and love for Joanie.