Funeral service for Helen Joyce Davis McFerrin, age 82 of Sparta, TN will be conducted at 1 PM on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at Higgins Funeral Home in Fayetteville, TN with Dwight Fuqua officiating. Burial will follow in Prosperity Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 PM to 7 PM on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at the Findlay church of Christ in Sparta and on Wednesday from 11 AM until the time of service at Higgins Funeral Home. She was a long-time member of the State Line church of Christ in Lincoln County and for the last three years a member of the Findlay church of Christ in Sparta.
Mrs. McFerrin passed from this life on September 13, 2020 at Signature LifeCare in Cookeville, TN. She was the daughter of the late Arthur L. and Katherine Hooker Bland Davis of Lebanon, TN. Joyce was born in Evanston, IL on February 25, 1938 and moved to Wilson County, TN when she was nine years old. She continued her education at Gladeville Elementary School and Lebanon High School. She graduated from Tennessee Tech in 1960 with a B.S. Degree in Home Economics Education. Following further certifications, she taught fifth and third grades and served as librarian at Highland Rim Elementary School in Lincoln County, TN for about thirty years, having retired on December 31, 2002.
She loved the Lord and His church. Joyce was happy being in the presence of the beauty that God has provided us, from the many plants around the house to the majesty of the state and national parks. Just traveling and “exploring” local country roads brought much pleasure to her.
Joyce is survived by her husband of 62 years, James Clay McFerrin; 2 sons: David Clay (Janice Renee Hitchcock) McFerrin and Nathan James (Sherry Jo Kline) McFerrin; daughter: Miriam Katherine (Michael Lane) Avrit. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren: Alison Beth McFerrin (Christopher Brent) James, Clayton Thomas (Melissa Kate Bivens) McFerrin, Grant James McFerrin, Olivia Anne McFerrin, Brooke Ashley Holland (Christopher Robert) Woodrow, Tara Brianne Holland (Jordan Matthew) DeKeratry, Christopher Michael (Jennifer Lynn Greene) Avrit, Mary Katherine Avrit, Hosanna Joy Avrit (David Michael) Lawson, Joseph Davis (Glorianna Rachel Sapp) Avrit, Seth Jordan Avrit, Elizabeth Rose Avrit, Jonathan Caleb Avrit, Nathaniel Luke Avrit, Isaiah James Avrit; 5 great grandchildren; sister: Linda Katherine Davis Dreaden; and sister-in-law: Mildred Frances McFerrin (Jerry Wilford) Smelser. In addition to her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Larry Thomas Dreaden.
In lieu of flowers if you wish, memorial contributions may be made to the State Line church of Christ, 3325 Huntsville Hwy., Fayetteville, TN 37334 or the Findlay church of Christ, 505 N. Spring St., Sparta, TN 38583.
17 Comments To "Helen Joyce Davis McFerrin"
#1 Comment By Gayle and Randall Shelton On September 14, 2020 @ 3:48 pm
Mr. James and family we are so sorry for your loss. May God be with you during this time.
#2 Comment By Jack Towry On September 14, 2020 @ 7:15 pm
James and family, we are sorry to hear about Joyce. Ourthoughts and prayers are with you.
Jack & June Towry
#3 Comment By Patsy Rogers On September 14, 2020 @ 9:10 pm
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Joyce. I enjoyed working with her & hearing about her family. She was a joy to be around
#4 Comment By Walter (Bo) & Mildred Stone On September 15, 2020 @ 2:08 am
James, so sorry for the loss of Joyce. But as you said, I beleive she is in a happier place. In sympathy and Christian love,
Bo and Mildred Stone
#5 Comment By Walter (Bo) & Mildred Stone On September 15, 2020 @ 2:22 am
James, David, and family, we are so sorry for your loss of your sweet wife,mother and grandmother. She is already missed at Findlay. In sympathy and Christian love. Bo and Mildred
#6 Comment By Terry Lewter On September 15, 2020 @ 12:12 pm
I so remember Mrs McFerrin at Highland Rim School! A very sweet lady! My deepest condolences to her family and friends!
#7 Comment By Ann Henderson On September 15, 2020 @ 1:43 pm
To all the McFerrin Family I offer my condolences and share in your grief, joy and hope! Joyce was a special gift to us all. We share the same birth year! I treasure the wonderful years of fellowship we shared at the State Line church of Christ and look forward as we continue life in Christ!
#8 Comment By Diana Greene (Jennifer Avrit’s mom) On September 15, 2020 @ 3:42 pm
So sorry for your loss and keeping you all in my thoughts as prayers.
#9 Comment By Ann and Bob Baisden On September 16, 2020 @ 8:32 am
Linda, James, David, Nathan and Miriam, we are so sorry for your loss of Joyce. She was a wonderful person and may her light continue to shine in your lives.
#10 Comment By Ronnie and Eloise Hudgins On September 16, 2020 @ 11:50 am
James, David, Nathan and Miriam and all the family. So very sorry to learn of Joyce’s passing. We were all like one big family when the kids were young and growing up at Stateline. You are in our prayers at this time. Our love to each of you
#11 Comment By Jeff and Pam Towry On September 18, 2020 @ 7:33 am
Mrs. McFerrin was a joy to be around. My years attending HRS and then my daughter’s years there were highlighted by her presence there. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
#12 Comment By Edet Inyang On September 18, 2020 @ 8:27 pm
Bro. James please, accept my sympathy for the lost of your beautiful wife and our sister, Helen Joyce. Be comforted by the words of Lord Jesus Christ, which you preached always. The Lord be with your spirit. Amen!
#13 Comment By Dana Mills Eldridge On September 19, 2020 @ 7:43 am
Joyce was a fine Christian example and our family was blessed to get to know her while attending State Line. We are keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers and are so sorry for your loss.
Love,
Dan Mills and family
#14 Comment By Betty Prosser Glass On September 19, 2020 @ 10:52 am
James, so sorry for your loss. I know God will heal and sustain you and the family. Thank you so much for your daily readings to help direct my thoughts. We appreciate your words. I do so appreciate you sending your messages to my son, Wally, also. God will provide rest for Joyce and for you. Betty Glass
#15 Comment By LynSandra Lee Joseph Lafayette Louisiana On September 21, 2020 @ 8:10 am
My condolences to bro. James and your family. I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting your wife and family, I know you through the bible study email ministry. Knowing that she was in the body of Christ is enough.May our father God comfort you during this time.
#16 Comment By Sherese Pharr On September 25, 2020 @ 10:21 am
Sorry for the lost of your mom. Mother’s are the most valuable thing in our lives. I will be prayer for you and your family! God bless you!
#17 Comment By James C. McFerrin On October 2, 2020 @ 7:24 pm
Thank you to all who posted a tribute to Joyce. I miss her, but do not sorrow as those who have no hope. James