Wanda Joyce (Kimbrell) Horrell

Jul 20, 1950 -

Feb 21, 2023

Joyce Horrell was a passionate hunter, beloved wife and friend, devoted mother and grandmother, and business owner with husband Don. Joyce passed away in Anchorage, Alaska, with her husband and sons at her side. She was 72.

Joyce was born to Johnny Kimbrell and E. Marie (Kimbrell) Hatch in Portales, N.M. Her family moved to Anchorage in 1964. Joyce graduated from West High School in 1968. Joyce married Don Horrell in Anchorage on June 21, 1968. They welcomed sons, James and Scott, into the family in 1970 and 1974. They moved to the Copper River Basin in 1971, and made it their home and their community for the rest of their lives.

Joyce lived her life with humor and joyful enthusiasm. She loved her dogs and horses, hunting with her 30-06 and snowmachining. She loved early mornings, drinking coffee while enjoying her view of the Wrangell Mountains. She loved the freedom and the community in the Glennallen area, often hosting dinners and parties, and welcoming visitors into her home as if they were family. Over the last five years, Joyce took great joy in her granddaughter, Anya.

Joyce loved fall camping on the Denali Highway, hunting caribou by horseback and berry picking with the kids. Fall was also the family's yearly hunting trip into the mountains, where Joyce successfully hunted for moose, caribou and bear, and often cooked meals for up to 10 or 12 hunters.

She is survived by husband, Don Horrell of Glennallen, Alaska; sister, Shirley (Delmar) Hopkins of Idaho; son, James; son, Scott (Vailferree); granddaughter, Anya; and nephew, Donnie Sharp. She leaves behind dear friend, Lorraine Radigan, and friends and community in the Glennallen area, too numerous to mention.

She was preceded in death by her father, Johnny Kimbrell; mother, E. Marie (Kimbrell) Hatch; brother, Pete Kimbrell; sister, Jackie Kimbrell; and nephew, Lonnie Kimbrell.