Joyce Brookshire

Barbara Joyce Brookshire, 75, was surrounded by her family as she passed into the presence of our Lord and Savior on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2014, at Hospice of Chattanooga. Joyce was born to Earl and Ruth Trivett on Oct. 10, 1938 in Johnson City, Tenn., and she was preceded in death by both parents. After growing up in Piney Flats, Tenn., Joyce attended ETSU until she married Roy Brookshire in 1957. The newlyweds spent their honeymoon in Chattanooga not knowing that it would later become their home for over 50 years. Roy and Joyce made Washington, D.C. their first home in 1957 where Joyce worked for the U.S. Department of Navy, and in 1960 they moved to Bristol, Tenn. where she was employed by the Social Security Administration. In 1963, Roy and Joyce found their way back to Chattanooga where she lovingly raised her children and later worked as an office manager for Drs. John Ellis and Leroy Sherrill. Joyce developed a love of music from her mother who was a church pianist for over half a century. This passion led her to play the piano and organ for McFarland United Methodist Church for most of her 50 years of membership. She was a member of the Crusaders Sunday School Class, Prime Timers and she devoted many hours to the Worship Committee and other activities of the church. She also volunteered at a local hospital. In addition to her love of music, Joyce enjoyed traveling, reading and spending time with her family and friends. She is survived by her husband, Roy Brookshire; her children, Debbie (Kenneth) Parsons, Mike (Temple) Brookshire, Danny Brookshire, Rhonda Brookshire; her brother, Bill (Ann) Trivett; her grandchildren, Chris Parsons, Jon (Sissy) Parsons, Kellie (Tyler) Thomas, Katie (David) Wilson, Chase Brookshire, Chloe Brookshire, Austin Brookshire and Ryan Brookshire; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Other survivors include Troy (Vondra) Brookshire, Mary Brookshire and Sylvia Henderson. Joyce was known for her servants heart and the ministry of her music, and she will be remembered dearly for her positive outlook and the inspiration she provided during her illness. A celebration of her life will be held at the church at 11 a.m. Monday at McFarland United Methodist Church located at 101 East Gordon Ave., Rossville, GA 30741, with the Revs. Gary Grogg and Will Lauderback officiating. Burial will follow at Hamilton Memorial Gardens, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. Memorial contributions may be made to McFarland United Methodist Church Music Ministry Fund. A special thanks from the family to the staff of Hospice of Chattanooga and to the loving and caring physicians and co-workers at Tennessee Oncology. Visit www.heritagefh.com to share words of comfort to the family and to view the memorial tribute. The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. today, Aug. 10, at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga. The family will also receive friends at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 11, at McFarland United Methodist Church.