Joyce Caradine-Kimbrell was born in the unincorporated community of Lupton, Alabama. While growing up, her family was very close.

“I missed the closeness we had growing up with cousins and aunts and uncles. It seemed like we were always together,” said Joyce. “One of my favorite memories is making homemade ice cream with my aunt Trannie and uncle Clyde on their front porch.”

Joyce moved away in the early 1970s but returned a few years later to work at South Central Bell (later AT&T) phone company as an operator both in Jasper and Birmingham. She worked at the phone company for the next 20 years.

Years later, she ventured into government work.

“I was the Board of Registrar’s Chairwoman for three years for Governor (Bob) Riley. Bruce Hamrick was here at the time,” said Joyce.

Then Hamrick ended up asking if Joyce wanted to come work for the county.

“So, I came over part-time, and everything fell into place, and I have been here for years.”

Joyce currently works as the Administrative Assistant Secretary and Accounts Payable Technician for the Walker County Commission with coworker Kim Whitehead. They help set up purchase orders for each of the districts and pay the bills for each district in the county. They also pay sheriff’s department bills and jail bills.

When she’s not working at the courthouse, Joyce is very busy living life as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She also serves at her family’s cemetery and attends local car shows.

“I’m very proud of my grandchildren. Colby is in the US Army, Kalyn is in real estate and is the mother of my first great-grandbaby, Elli, and Riley is at Auburn University getting her master’s degree in psychology,” said Joyce. “My husband Wayne and I are members of our local car club, and five years ago was appointed to the cemetery committee at Liberty Grove Cemetery and it is an honor.”

If you’re ever wondering who pays the bills around here, look no further than Joyce Caradine- Kimbrell and her co-worker, Kim Whitehead. 78