Joyce H. Bravaldo

Joyce Hurst Bravaldo passed away peacefully, at her home in Auburn, Alabama on Thursday November 20, 2025 at the age of 82. 

Joyce was born in Glendale, California to John D. Hurst and Mary L. Hurst. She had two loving sisters, Mary Louise Hubble and Patricia Ann Williams. With a father serving in the Air Force, her family moved around over the years, spending time in Germany, Columbus, Ohio, and later in Albany, Georgia. Ms. Bravaldo graduated from Hamilton Township High School in Lockbourne, Ohio in 1960, and then went on to attend Ohio State University from 1960-1962. Her family later moved to Albany, Georgia, where her father was stationed at Turner Air Force Base. Joyce worked as an airline flight attendant with United Airlines from 1962-1964 and was soon after employed as a bank teller with First State Bank & Trust in Albany. During this time, she met the love of her life, Don Bravaldo, Jr. 

Don & Joyce were married on February 11, 1965 in Albany, where they raised two children, Don and Blythe. Joyce was an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Albany, GA, and she spent time volunteering with many local organizations. She later went back to school and received an Associate of Arts Degree from Darton College. 

Joyce was devoted to her family and loved cooking and inviting all to her table. She was an avid reader and enjoyed spending time at the lake and beach. A renowned cook and remarkable homemaker, she brought beauty and warmth to her household. 

Joyce & Don eventually moved to Lake Blackshear, before relocating to Auburn, Alabama. Once in Auburn, they found their home church in First Presbyterian Church of Auburn and quickly became involved. Joyce enjoyed being a part of the Circle Group at church. She also loved getting together for lunch and to play dominos with a wonderful group of friends affectionately called “the transplants”. 

Joyce had a special and close relationship with her grandson, Hudson. She loved spending time with him and being involved in all his sporting activities, whether in person, watching online or just getting a recap from him by phone. 

She will be remembered by all who entered her life and her affectionate care for others. Special thanks to all caregivers that loved and became so close with Joyce. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald H. Bravaldo, Jr., her parents, John D. Hurst and Mary L. Hurst, and sister, Mary Louise Hubble. She leaves behind her son: Don H. Bravaldo, III, (Aury) of Atlanta, her daughter: Blythe B. Shiland (Stuart), grandson Hudson H. Shiland of Birmingham, AL; and sister: Patricia Ann Williams, of Fleming Island, FL. 

Funeral service will be held at 2:00pm CST on Sunday November 23rd at First Presbyterian Church of Auburn, located at 143 E Thach Avenue, Auburn, AL. Rev. Dr. Kathy Wolf Reed will officiate.

Graveside Interment service will be held at 2:00pm EST on Monday November 24th at Crown Hill Cemetery, located at 1907 Dawson Road, Albany, GA.

In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make memorial donations to the First Presbyterian Church of Auburn, AL: www.fpcauburn.org/give, or to the American Heart Association.