Joyce Barnett

Tupelo " Joyce McGuire Barnett, 81, died Monday, November 24, 2008, at The North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. She was born December 6, 1926 to Rawdon and Merle Rhodes McGuire of Baldwyn. She was a graduate of Baldwyn High School and attended the University of Mississippi. She married Thomas (Tom) M. Barnett in 1948, and they had a loving and happy marriage for over 60 years. Joyce was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to all who knew and loved her, and they are many. She was a charter member of St. Luke United Methodist Church and served on many boards and committees. She was a member of the Salvation Army Auxiliary for many years in the early beginning of the organization in Tupelo. More recently, she had served as a volunteer at The Sanctuary Hospice House Thrift Store. Joyce also delivered numerous Meals on Wheels to those in need. In addition to her volunteerism, Joyce won numerous ribbons at the Misissippi/Alabama Fair and Dairy Show for her extraordinary cooking and baking abilities.

Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at St. Luke United Methodist Church with Dr. Rick Brooks officiating. Burial will be in Tupelo Memorial Park. W. E. Pegues Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include her husband, Tom Barnett; one daughter, Linda Sanford of Tupelo; two grandsons, Robert Shane Brown and his wife, Ashley, of Knightdale, N.C., and Nick Sanford of Pontotoc County; one sister, Patricia Cole of Houston, Texas; and one daughter-in-law, Pam Barnett of Tupelo; as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Thomas (Don) Barnett.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons, nephews, and a special friend, George Watson.

Honorary Pallbearers will be members of her Sunday School Class, The Senior Adults of St. Luke United Methodist Church.

Visitation will be 1 p.m. to service time Wednesday at the church.