Joyce Fish Thrift

Joyce Fish Thrift went to her eternal home on Sunday, October 26, 2025. She left this world peacefully, surrounded by her family, under the care of Community Hospice at Frank Wells Nursing Home. She was born on January 6, 1929 to Benjamin Gay Foy Fish and Sarah Ann Canaday Fish, the sixth of twelve children. She grew up in Taylor, Florida.

At the age of 18, she married her love and life partner, Buford Thrift. They made their home in Moniac, Georgia. Together they started Buford Thrift Farm. They had a successful meat packing business and poultry farm.

After Buford’s passing, she started the next chapter of her life. Joyce was always very active in church and serving the Lord. She traveled to six different countries and across America serving and doing mission work. If you ever had a conversation with Joyce Thrift, you could expect your salvation to be her top priority. She was never afraid to share her love for her savior.

In 1997, she started the Florida Georgia (FlaGa) Iris society in Baker County. She got her master gardener degree and became a judge, teacher and lecturer all over the country. Her chauffer throughout their travels was her dear friend and sister in law, Pat Fish.

She is preceded in death by her husband, ten brothers and sisters, and her son in law, Richard Raulerson.

She is survived by her children, Penny Raulerson and Buford (Dana) Thrift, Jr.; grandchildren, Brad (Tracey) Raulerson, Judd (Vickie) Raulerson, DuShayne (Felicia) Raulerson, Amanda (Ronnie) Moran, Nathan (Brittany) Thrift, Kallie Raulerson, Ruger Raulerson, and Dixie Raulerson; sister, Typhnes (Don) Midkiff ;twelve great grandchildren; ten great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 31, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Christian Fellowship Temple with Rev. Richard Fish officiating and Pastor Timmy Thomas assisting. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday, October 30, 2025 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Interment will follow at Sands-Thrift Cemetery in Moniac.

The staff of Guerry Forbes Funeral Home is honored to serve the Thrift family during their time of loss.