Joyce Jenkins Merritt, age 78, completed her earthly journey, September 14, 2018. Along the way, Joyce met friends and loved them as family, likewise she loved family as though they were friends.

Joyce enjoyed gardening and tending to her lovely yard filled with her favorite flowers, trees and birds. She also enjoyed quiet times beside her Koi pond and annual October beach trips with family and friends.

Joyce retired from the United States District Court in 1998 after 37 years of service.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Roxie Jenkins; her father, John Jenkins; and her brother, Percy Jenkins. She is survived by her loving husband, Kenneth Merritt; daughter, Pat Hayes and her husband Mike; son, Mark Tucker and his wife Tonya; sisters, Angie Smith, and Jane Manley; and her brother, John. She is also survived by five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held Monday at 3:00 p.m. in Evergreen Cemetery. Dr. Mark Gregory will officiate. Visitation will be Monday from 1:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. at Woodfin Memorial Chapel.

Pallbearers will be Jake Hayes, Randall Robinson, Bill Hayes, Bob Hayes, Eric Butler, and Lance Jenkins. Honorary Pallbeaerers will be Terry Clark and Buddy Morris.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in memory of Mrs. Joyce can be made to Alive Hospice (1718 Patterson Street, Nashville, TN 37203) or to the American Cancer Society (2000 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37203).