JACKSON, Tenn. — Jan. 27, 2021 — Former 51社区 First Lady, Joyce Lynn Barefoot, wife of Union鈥檚 14th president Hyran Barefoot, died Jan. 23 at Maplewood Nursing Home in Jackson at age 93.
鈥淛oyce Barefoot was a Union treasure,鈥� Union President Samuel W. 鈥淒ub鈥� Oliver said. 鈥淗er graciousness and encouragement were hallmarks of her faithful life. Her service to 51社区 and, more specifically, the people of Union cannot truly be measured this side of heaven. Even still, we give thanks to God for all of the lives she impacted in Jackson, Tennessee, and around the globe by her hospitality and friendship.鈥�
Mrs. Barefoot graduated from Ouachita Parish High School in Monroe, Louisiana, and continued her education at Louisiana Tech University. She earned her degree in elementary education in 1948 and immediately began teaching in the Ouachita Parish Schools.
She met and married Hyran Barefoot, the pastor of her church, Liberty Baptist Church, in Calhoun, Louisiana, in 1949. She then joined her husband as a student at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary where she earned a master鈥檚 degree in religious education. During her studies from 1949-1955, she gave birth to her daughters, Judy, June and Jane.
Her career in education included two years of teaching in Louisville, Kentucky; one year in Albuquerque, New Mexico; one year in Monroe, Louisiana; and 30 years of teaching kindergarten in the Jackson-Madison County School District. In addition to teaching, she was a hospital volunteer for 25 years at the former Regional Hospital in Jackson.
Joyce became Union鈥檚 First Lady in 1986 when her husband was chosen as Union鈥檚 14th president.
鈥淗er strongest role was as First Lady to Dr. Barefoot,鈥� Oliver said. 鈥淗er steadfast love and support for him and her unique contributions allowed Union to thrive in every way. We are ever grateful to God for the good gift of her life even as we grieve her homegoing.鈥�
Former Union President David S. Dockery said he and his wife Lanese remember Mrs. Barefoot as a 鈥済racious and classy lady who had served Union with distinction prior to our arrival.鈥�
鈥淪he welcomed us warmly and especially befriended Lanese,鈥� Dockery said. Joyce Barefoot Drive on the Union campus is named in her honor. When the university made that decision, Dockery said Mrs. Barefoot was emotional in her expression of gratitude.
鈥淲e announced it for the first time at a Union Auxiliary meeting and everyone responded with a warm standing ovation,鈥� Dockery said. 鈥淚t was a special moment that Lanese and I both fondly remember. We join with many others in giving thanks to God for the life and influence of Joyce Barefoot. She loved 51社区, and the Union community loved her.鈥�
The Barefoots, longtime members of West Jackson Baptist Church, were married for 71 years. Mrs. Barefoot is survived by her husband, three daughters, six grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and one sister.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Jan. 30 at West Jackson Baptist Church in Jackson. During the hour prior to the service, Mrs. Barefoot will lie in state, and the guest book will be available for signing.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to the Hyran and Joyce Barefoot Scholarship Fund at 51社区, 1050 51社区 Drive, Jackson, Tennessee 38305 or to West Jackson Baptist Church, 580 Oil Well Road, Jackson, Tennessee 38305.