Joy Huddleston

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - Joy Huddleston, born on January 4, 1935, in Mississippi, passed away on March 5, 2025, at the home of her son in Smithville, Tennessee at the age of 90. She lived a life dedicated to family, community, and service, cherished by many who had the privilege of knowing her.

Joy's career was marked by her long-standing commitment to the City of McMinnville, where she held several important roles. Her work included dispatching for the Police Department, contributions at the Water Department, and various positions within Public Works. Her dedication to her job exemplified her strong work ethic and her desire to make a positive impact in her community.

An alumnus of Thaxton School in Thaxton, MS, Joy’s educational background laid a foundation for her life of service and community engagement. She was a member of Hampton's Crossroads Baptist Church and most recently attended Wilhite Baptist Church, where she found a sense of belonging and fellowship.

Joy’s personality was warm and inviting; she possessed a deep love for flowers and gardening, often spending her leisure time nurturing her garden and enjoying the beauty of nature. Bird-watching and chasing squirrels out of the garden brought her joy, alongside her love for yard sales and an endearing fondness for the color blue, reflected in her dishes and other cherished belongings.

She is survived by her loving husband, Kenneth Huddleston of Cookeville, and her children: daughter Kim Edwards of Columbia, TN, son Kirk (Kathy) Moody of Smithville, step-son Gary (Teresa) Huddleston, and step-daughter Melinda (Ken) Pendleton. Joy was a proud grandmother to Kami (Allen) Cantrell, Keli Clark, Robert (Lori) Edwards IV, Chasidy Hash, and Tiffany McCoig, and was blessed with 8 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Her family stood as a testament to the love and care she infused into her relationships.

Joy is preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Rostella Newell Inmon, and her brother, Willie Dee Inmon. Her absence is felt deeply by all who knew her, including her special friend, Sam Howard.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Huddleston will be held at 1pm on Monday, March 10, 2025 from the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper, Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home with Bro. Tommy Inmon and Bro. Dean Moody officiating.

Interment will follow at Shipley Cemetery with family and friends serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends on Sunday afternoon from 4-7pm, and again on Monday from 11am until time of services at the funeral home.

Share condolences and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com

The Cookeville Chapel of Hooper, Huddleston & Horner Funeral Homes is in charge of arrangements 931-526-6111