Kathryn Joy Dickinson Hunger ("Joy")

Kathryn Joy Dickinson Hunger (“Joy”) died peacefully in her home at Fair Haven in Birmingham, AL on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at the age of 81. She leaves behind her children, Stacia Fagan Phillips (Bill) and Phillip Dickinson (Marna); grandchildren, Connor (Fagan), James, Katie, Jacob and Marissa (Dickinson).  She was preceded in death by her husband, Jeff Hunger and by her parents. 

Joy was born on March 13, 1942 in Stevenson, AL to William Franklin and Ruby Mae Peck.  She attended Stevenson High School and obtained Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from the University of Alabama (in 1964 and 1985, respectively). 

Joy worked as a social worker for Winfield Carraway Hospital in Winfield, AL and for Princeton Baptist Medical Center and various kidney dialysis centers in Birmingham, AL.  She was a member of Vestavia Hills Methodist Church.  Her hobbies included: reading, playing cards, participating in various book clubs and supper clubs, visiting her five grandchildren and cheering for the Alabama Crimson Tide.  Her kids and grandkids knew that Crimson was her favorite color.  Joy was truly an extrovert and got her energy from being around friends and family, who described her as “spunky” and “well loved”.  

The family wishes to thank her caregivers at Fair Haven Assisted Living, Fair Haven Skilled Nursing and Alabama Hospice for the excellent care they provided during her extended illness. 

The memorial service will be on Monday, May 15, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Vestavia Hills Methodist Church with visitation from 1:00 p.m. to the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your favorite charity or to a local library.

Cremation Center of Birmingham (205) 970-6886