Joyce Zanoni Morrison

Joyce Zanoni Morrison, age 77, passed away peacefully with family by her side on June 16, 2026, in Jacksonville, Florida. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, on December 16, 1948, she was the youngest of three children born to Evelyn Lowry Morrison and Joe Frank Morrison.

Joyce spent much of her youth growing up in Miami, Florida until the end of 9th grade when the family moved to Jacksonville where Joyce continued her high school education graduating from Terry Parker High School. In 1968 she moved to Atlanta and worked for Mobil Oil Corporation and there she met Art. An instant and intense love was born; they were married in 1975. Before long she was whisked to upstate New York where she became a stepmother. She continued to work and became a devoted wife and caring mother during which time she left a lasting impression on Michelle. Sadly, just 5 years later Art passed in 1980 in Virginia where they lived; she then returned to her roots in Atlanta to be near her family. During this time she strengthened her bond with her sister Joanne and her niece, Karen, and nephew, Joe, fully embracing her role as an aunt. There she worked for News Corp America, traversing the country, becoming a dynamic businesswoman that flourished. Eventually, she found her way back to Jacksonville in 1996 seeking a less rigorous career, which also allowed her to be a supportive and loving sister to Judy and aunt to Tamela in time of need. Here she rekindled a relationship with a high school friend, Randy. This relationship grew into a new love and lasting friendship of 31 years. Her move to Jacksonville allowed her to settle and build a wonderful life in the Ft. Caroline area. There, she dedicated many years of service to the PGA Tour in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, where she worked until her retirement.

Joyce was a force of nature who held a presence when she entered a room. While her striking beauty never faded, her spirited charisma in her early years gave way to a quieter air. She was loyal and generous to a fault. She took great pride in her home and her creativity and eye for impeccable detail is evident in every corner. Her other great love was for her many pets. Her dog Tara, an Airedale, named for the great estate in Gone with the Wind, was her faithful companion long after her husband passed. Then came her sweet cats, Missy especially, who provided comfort and companionship in her later years as she traveled to Atlanta back and forth as she cared for her mother. Her backyard was a haven for Florida wildlife. Many a hawk, owl or duck video she did post along with colorful birds and her prize blooms. Joyce’s favorite place was the beach. There she could reflect on the quiet beauty of God’s creation with the sight of the sea, the warmth of the sun, and sand beneath her toes.

Joyce had a strong sense of right and wrong, and she lived her life by example, helping others in any way she could. She always put the needs of others before her own. She was a true Southern belle with a little northern attitude blended in. Her sense of humor always put a smile on the face of anyone around her. There are many stories of Joyce’s devotion, artistry, antics. and joy she brought to those in her life that carried through until her final hours. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved parents and husband Arthur John Zanoni. She leaves behind a loving family who miss her dearly, including her cherished partner Randy Raybon, stepdaughter Michelle Plasse Zanoni, her devoted sisters, Joanne Morrison Helms and Judy Morrison Kinsey; her nephew, Joe Helms; her nieces, Karen Helms Carter and Tamela Kinsey Spencer; as well as her great-nephew, Jake Carter, and great-niece, Kinsey Spencer.