Joyce Hall Gilkey, age 84, of Princeton, passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Princeton Nursing and Rehab.
Joyce was born on September 21, 1941, to the late Lawrence Hewlett and Mary Frances Larkins Hall.
Retiring as a Caldwell County Tax Commissioner, she spent her career working in the public sector, including many years as Administrative Secretary at Caldwell County Hospital. Lastly, she oversaw Franklin Place Apartments, where she enjoyed the daily interactions with her favorite pet, Reggie, and the residents.
A very crafty lady, she spent many years making “Father Christmas” figures for lots of us. She was a 1959 graduate of Caldwell County High, where she participated in the school chorus, Operas and school events. She was an active member of the Caldwell County Alumni Association and always enjoyed taking an active part in her class reunions. She continued her beautiful singing years later as a member of First Baptist Church, Princeton, where she sang in the church choir, Ladies Trio, and took delight in her solos in the church cantatas and specials.
She was a loving mother and grandmother and took great pride in her family. An excellent cook, she was known for her banana pudding, chocolate and coconut pies, chicken casserole, boiled custard, and last but not least, “Mutton Hash”!
She is survived by her daughter, Margie (Don) Horning of Caldwell County; son, Greg (Libby) George of Caldwell County; three grandchildren, Dr. Elizabeth Alexis George of St. Augustine, FL, Colton (Alana) George of Caldwell County, Lauren (Ty) Ramey of Princeton; one great-granddaughter, Everlee George of Princeton; sister-in-law, Dean Pierce Hall of Godfrey, IL; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Kenneth Hall, Lawrence Hall, and Lucien Hall.
Visitation for Joyce “Gran Jo” Gilkey will be held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Morgan’s Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm, Monday, February 2, 2026, at Morgan’s Funeral Home with Bro. Ronnie Sivells and Bro. Bill Bruce officiating.
Pallbearers will be Judge Brent Hall, Micheal Oliver, Milton Cook, Mark Thomas, Cabott Gilkey, James Cotton, and Jeff Cotton.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to Caldwell County Animal Shelter, 489 Baker Hill Road, Princeton, KY 42445, and Blue Spring Church Cemetery, c/o Harvey Mitchell, 64 Merrick Road, Princeton, KY 42445.
