Annie Opal (Joiner) Armendarez, 95, passed away peacefully at her Owensboro, KY home surrounded by loved ones on Friday, January 12, 2024. Annie was born in Canton Kentucky, the daughter of William Marvin Joiner and Essie Mae (Calhoun) Joiner on February 19, 1928.
Survivors include her husband of 39 years, Phillip Charles Armendarez; Four daughters, Linda Carol (Curry) Tinsley (Jim) of Hopkinsville KY; Brenda Joyce (Curry) Boren (Bobby) of Roaring Springs KY; Theresa Jeanette Gaddis of Owensboro Ky and Beverly Cousineau of Peotone Ill and one son, Johnnie David Gaddis of Owensboro Ky. Additionally, survivors include 23 grandchildren and many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
Annie was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin, and Essie Joiner, Two sisters, Thelma Pearl Jones of Murray KY, and Agnes Earl Joiner (infant); two infant brothers, William Marvin Joiner Jr and Malcolm Joiner; two daughters, Deborah Kaye Gaddis, and Sandra (Gaddis) Bennett and two sons, Anthony (Tony) Gaddis, and Robert Roy.
Annie often expressed fond memories of her childhood growing up in Goose Holler in Trigg County and Cadiz Ky. She was brought up in a Christian home by her devoted and loving parents. It is uncertain the exact date she made her confession of faith in Jesus Christ, but it is believed to be while she was quite young.
Annie told family a story of her youth that will bring a smile to those that knew her well. She said that as a child it was customary practice for the preacher to be invited to their home for Sunday dinner. On one occasion during the pastor’s visit with her family, she told the pastor she wanted to be a “Holy Roller.” The preacher asked her why she aspired to be a “Holy Roller” and she replied, “I want to shout!” She loved to share funny stories about her childhood. She was a great storyteller.
Annie was blessed with a beautiful spirit which was reflected in her beautiful blue eyes and loving smile. She loved life and she loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She loved giving her testimony of how Christ had been with her every step of her life through times of trouble and good times. She loved her family, and her fervent wish was for each one to be happy and healthy in life and to find eternal salvation through Jesus Christ.
Annie was active in her work for the Lord by serving her church providing transportation to church for those in need and visitation of the sick and shut ins. She brought food to those in need. Her Mexican Cornbread was extremely popular.
She was a care giver and worked as a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) at hospitals and nursing homes and provided in-home care in Kentucky and in Florida. She especially loved taking care of the older folks with Dementia.
Annie is remembered as unique, beautiful inside and out with a love of life and a tremendous love for family and friends. She was blessed with intelligence and a gift of insight, and she was always ready to help those in need. She was a devoted wife and a loving mother and a grandmother and friend. She loved animals and she enjoyed having a fur baby around to cuddle. Most recently “little Brinkley.” She loved music and dancing and eating. She loved to cook and crochet. She was an avid reader. She loved a walk on the beach, an excellent restaurant, a drive in the countryside, good company with lively conversation. She was also a great listener and if asked she would give advice born of wisdom. Phil called her “Annie” or “Bear”. Her children called her “Mom” or “Mamma.” Her grandchildren, great grands and great-great grands knew her as “Grandmother.” Family members from her childhood home Cadiz often called her “Opal.” She will be remembered for her love and will be cherished in our hearts until we are reunited with her in heaven.
Special recognition goes to all the wonderful care, devotion and love provided by her personal nurses and caregivers during her lengthy illness. May God bless each one of you. You are all loved and appreciated.
Funeral Services will be at 12 Noon on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at James H. Davis Funeral Home & Crematory. Burial will follow in Calhoun Cemetery. Visitation is from 11:00-12:00 Wednesday at the funeral home.