Joy Howard

Vivian Joy Livengood Howard, 84, wife of 62 years to the late James Gaylord Howard, passed away Saturday, February 28, 2026 at the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington.

Born January 30, 1942 in Nicholas County to the late Roy D. & Lucille Hubbard Livengood, she was a 1960 graduate of Nicholas County High School, a retired employee of the Nicholas County Health Department and Wedco, and a member of the First Baptist Church of Carlisle. Joy loved caring for others and made wonderful home-cooked meals.  She was a devoted Nanan to her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and always enjoyed spending time with the “Over The Hill Gang.” 

Surviving are 3 children: James Michael (Shana) Howard of Carlisle, and Tracy Howard & Kelly (Robert) Rogers, both of Paris; 2 brothers, Clay Livengood  (late-Imogene) and Tommy Livengood (late-Connie); 6 grandchildren: Emily (Hunter) Haley, Jesse (Greg) Slayden, Samantha Brooke Rogers, Nicholas (Amber) Rogers, Jacob Wiggins & Daniel Wiggins; 9 great-grandchildren: Easton, Luke, Channing & Grey Haley, Rhodes & Maddox Slayden, and River, Xander & Asher Rogers; several nieces & nephews, and a large extended family. 

Also preceding her in death were a daughter, Holly Jean Howard; her stepmother, Vella Mae Livengood; a brother, David Livengood; and 2 sisters,  Bonnie Sue Rodgers and Amelia “Millie” Wilkinson. 

Services will be 1:00 P.M. Thursday, March 5th at the First Baptist Church of Carlisle officiated by Vicki Sparks with burial to follow in Carlisle Cemetery. 

Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. Thursday until the time of service.

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