Joyce Jones

Joyce Ham Jones, 66, of Paris, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 10th, 2017 at her home after a short but brave battle with cancer.

Joyce was born on April 22, 1950, in Franklin, Tennessee, to the late John and Willie Lee (Taylor) Ham. She cherished memories of growing up on her family’s farm on the banks of the Harpeth River with her beloved parents and older brothers, Alvin and Bubba.

After graduating from College Grove School, Joyce went on to attend Bethel College where she realized her passion for teaching and loving children. For over forty-one years, she inspired many students with her sincere thoughtfulness and gentle persistence. Joyce retired from E.W. Grove Junior High School in May 2014 but stayed connected with Henry County teachers and students through the Retired Teachers Association.

On October 24, 1987, Joyce married Samuel Curtis Jones of Paris. Along with caring for her husband and children, Jamie and Kara, she was dedicated to serving her community and church family. She held the friendships and missions of First United Methodist Church in Paris especially close to her heart. While those closest to her might remember her for peach cobblers and Chapstick, Joyce hoped everyone would know that cancer never stole her joy or her faith and, therefore, never won.

Along with her husband, she is also survived by one daughter, Kara (David) Vaughn of Memphis, TN; one son, Jamie (Suzanne) Mosley of Hendersonville, TN; one brother, John “Bubba” (Becky) Ham of Franklin, TN; three grandchildren, John Martin Mosley, William Mosley, and Joseph Mosley all of Hendersonville, TN; and one sister-in-law, Vivian Prince, of Alabama. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Alvin Hamm.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, where visitation will be held on Sunday, March 12, 2017 , from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Monday, March 13th , 2017, from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Paris.  The funeral service will be held on Monday, March 13, 2017, at 3:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, with Dr. Rob Martin officiating. Serving as pallbearers will be Joyce’s nephews, Tim Ham, Ken Ham, Michael Hamm, and Matt Ford as well as brothers-in-law Charles Jones and David Lundell. Burial will follow in Maplewood Cemetery in Paris.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to First United Methodist Church, 101 E. Blythe St., Paris, TN, 38242, in honor of all that Joyce and Curtis’s church family has done to love and surround their family.

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