Joyce Barnett Hassell's Obituary
Joyce Barnett Hassell, 77, passed away on Monday, December 7, 2009 at her home. She was born in Baldwyn, Mississippi and was a graduate of Blue Mountain College. She received a Master’s Degree in Education from Memphis State University. Joyce served with the Memphis City School System for 37 years as a teacher and a supervisor. She also was elected to the Tennessee General Assembly and served as the Representative for House District-96 in Memphis for 18 years. In 1954, Joyce was voted “May Queen” at Blue Mountain College. On several occasions she sang the national Anthem at the Tennessee Lincoln Day Dinner. She was Blue Mountain College’s Alumni of the year in 1996. During that same year, Joyce was the Republican speaker on the floor of the House of Representatives during the Bi-Centennial Celebration.Joyce is survived by her husband, Larry, of Memphis; her sister, Mary Lou Martin and brother, Roger Barnett, both of Baldwyn, Mississippi, 2 nieces and 3 nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Jim and Annie Michaels Barnett and her nephew Marty Martin, all of Baldwyn, Mississippi.Visitation will be Wednesday, December 9, 2009 from 5 – 8 at Memorial Park Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be Thursday, December 10, at 1:00 p.m. at Memorial Park Funeral Home in the Riverside Chapel. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.
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