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Joyce Herring Obituary
Franklin, TN
Joyce Elizabeth Horton Herring of Franklin died December 20, 2014, at home and surrounded by her family.
Born in 1949 in Grenada, Miss., to Joyce Matthews Horton and Frank Collins Horton, Joyce married Wayne Clement Herring at the age of 19 and spent the next four-and-a-half decades in faithful and devoted service to him and their five daughters.
She graduated from Belhaven College in 1970 with a BA and received an MA in English literature from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1992.
In addition to her role as a Presbyterian minister's wife, Joyce was a gifted teacher. She inspired countless students in seminars and classes to love literature and music, to love her Savior, and to live nobly. She treasured her garden and her bees and all things in nature - she created beauty in a broken world. She was passionate about truth and she showed others how to seek it.
Affectionately called Muth by her daughters and Muff by her adoring 12 grandchildren, Joyce poured herself into those around her. Her thoughtfulness, selflessness and graciousness were unparalleled. She mentored, loved, and changed many lives.
Joyce is survived by her husband and by her daughters: Jenny Kate McMullan of Brentwood, her husband, Paul, and their children Mary Collins, Katherine, Pallie, Lucy, Duncan, and Charlotte; Dabney Stevens of Atlanta, her husband, Chris, and their children Hunt, Will, and Sara Elizabeth; Amanda McGown of Brentwood, her husband, Cole, and their children Knox, Gray, and Pallas; Susannah Herring of Nashville; and Emily Lamb of Nashville, her husband, Travis, and their baby on the way and she is also survived by her father, Frank Horton, of Clinton, MS.
She glorified and enjoyed God on this earth, and now she is glorifying and enjoying Him forever in heaven.
Following a private graveside service, a memorial service to which all are welcome will be Mon., Dec. 22, 2014, at Covenant Presbyterian Church at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the J.C. Herring Endowment Fund at the PCA Foundation (www.pcafoundation.com), the Charles Simeon Trust (www.simeontrust.org), or New College Franklin (www.newcollegefranklin.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joyce Herring
Mary & David Nichols
January 8, 2015
Dear Wayne,
Laverne Landrum told me of your loss of your precious Joyce. David and I recall the visit we had when you taught Jonah at a Perry Pres missions conference in GA quite a few years ago. Although I mainly remembered you from your courting days back in Jackson, we had numerous friends in common - one, in particular, I asked about was Trudy; your answer: "She's with Jesus." A pang went through me as I remembered that comment, now true of Joyce.
David and I pray for you. One day we will be privileged in the Celestial City to visit with you, Joyce, and your loved ones and share stories of His sustaining grace.
In Him,
Mary and David Nichols
Joseph Hawkins
December 27, 2014
I was a student of Mrs. Herring's, graduating from ECS in 2007. She was a tremendous educator; everyday was a great journey: you knew you were going to end the class a changed person. Inspiring. The stories and memories from the England/Scotland trip are priceless also. Praying for you all at this time from where I am now working in Beijing. Joseph Hawkins
December 23, 2014
Charlie and I extend our deepest sympathy to Wayne and all the girls and their families.We send our love to you all.
Wanda Fee
Jennifer C Stone-Sexton
December 23, 2014
My thoughts and prayers have been with you all in the past week ... I wish I'd known about the Memorial service, I would have been there. May the peace of Jesus Christ rule in your hearts and minds and may He wrap His arms of love around you and comfort you in your loss. My heart goes out to each one of you. With Love and Prayers, Jen Stone-Sexton
Larry Shelley
December 23, 2014
Wayne I will be praying for u and your family for the lose of Joyce. I know she is sitting with our Lord and savor Jesus Christ without all the pain she has suffered for so many years.
Larry Shelley
Abby White
December 22, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with Joyce's family, including the incredibly strong, smart and kind women she raised. I'm proud to call them my friends and wish them peace and comfort.
December 22, 2014
We are so sorry for you loss. What a great neighbor in Clinton, and the family will be in our prayers during this difficult time. May our Lord and Savior be with you in all things. Penny and Joe Lotterhos
Jane Craft Long
December 22, 2014
I am so sorry to hear about Joyce. I remember her from our Clinton High School days. She was always smiling and had such a kind heart. My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you in the days ahead.
Connie Jenkins
December 22, 2014
Jenny I am sorry about your loss. It is hard losing a loved one. It is even harder when it is your mother. Jenny please draw comfort in knowing that God is with you and your entire family wherever you go. Jenny you and your family can also draw comfort from all the wonderful lifetime of memories you have shared with your mother. May God continue to be with you and your family.
Karen Carver
December 22, 2014
Emily, know that prayers are being said for you and your family during this difficult time. God Bless all of you.
December 22, 2014
May the God of comfort be with you
Sarah Rowland
December 21, 2014
You are all in my prayers. I am so sorry for your loss.
Lane Stephenson
December 21, 2014
Love the obituary...it mentioned things that really matter as opposed to some lesser things that often are named in obituaries! I remember Joyce and the Horton family from Belhaven and RTS. Our prayers are with all of you.
Sloan Germann
December 21, 2014
Luke joins me in sending our love to you all. We pray that He will pour out an extra measure of His comfort and grace on each of you. I admired Joyce and Wayne for being such amazing parents. Their legacy lives on in each of their girls. May He hold you tightly in His arms of love,
Luke and Sloan
Randy and Judy Iserman
December 21, 2014
Our prayers are with all of you and rejoicing at Muff's home going
Randy and Judy Iserman!
Linn Crowell
December 21, 2014
Our prayers are with all of you during this time and in the coming days. How we wish we could be there for the celebration of Joyce's life. She is an inspiration for all of us who love English literature, desire to raise our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord and, most of all, serve Him on this earth till our last breath.
Laura Owings
December 21, 2014
Mrs. Herring introduced me to Chesterton, increased my appreciation and enjoyment of Lewis, and taught me countless lessons beyond English literature. As a teacher, she went above and beyond for her students by having us in her home for dinner, taking us to an evening play, encouraging us to accompany her family to a Robert Burns celebration, and leading literary history tours of England and Scotland. She was a tough and tender teacher, and I'm blessed to have been her student. I wish I'd known of her illness sooner so that I could have shared these sentiments with her during her life, but I'll be able to thank her someday in heaven.
Carol Stephenson
December 21, 2014
We were so very saddened to hear of Joyce's death. May the Lord's peace and presence be with you as your grieve and yet rejoice that you will see her again. Camp Westminster memories are always precious.
Tamara Guilday
December 21, 2014
I am so very sorry to read this, Dabney. By knowing you and your faith and values, I know your Mom was one special lady! May her legacy of love, faith, and service continue to shine in all your family's lives. Without a doubt, "Well done, good and faithful servant greeted her when she tiptoed over into heaven and saw Jesus face to face. With prayers for you all.
Tamara Guilday
December 21, 2014
Wayne and family you are in our prayers! Still remember our trip to General Assembly so many years ago! Love to all!
December 21, 2014
Wayne, you and your family are in our prayers. I have fond memories of Joyce's smile and graciousness with people. May you know the nearness of our tender Shepherd. In the bonds of Christ's love, John Hall
Patsy Seay Dollar
December 21, 2014
My sympathies to the Herring Family for the loss of your loved one. I send prayers of healing for you all, as you move through your grief.
Johnny & Becky Long
December 21, 2014
In my wedding ceremony it's not "...till death to us part," but "...until one of you shall lay the other in the arms of God." Bless you Herrings for your example of just that. Love & Hugs, Johnny & Becky
Mike Tant
December 21, 2014
Wayne, please know that you and the family are in our prayers today. May the God of all Comfort draw close to you and lift you up during this time of loss. Many blessings!
Marie Swinford
December 21, 2014
Wayne I wish I could have gotten to know Joyce better. We never got that second visit. We hope to see you soon as you have been so kind to us.
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