Joy Sharon Sullender

Joy Sharon Barkman Sullender, age 93, of Indianapolis, Indiana passed away in her home under hospice care on December 19, 2025. Joy was born on April 9, 1932, in Spencer, Indiana, the fifth child of Fred and Edith (Parrish) and was later adopted at age nine (9) by Hollice Barkman after the death of her mother and father.

Mrs. Sullender received her Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree from Indiana University in education. Joy began her teaching career in 1952-1955 at Monroe School for three years and six years, 1955-1961, at Pekin, Indiana. In 1962, Joy Barkman moved to Indianapolis, Indiana. She was assigned to George W. Julian School #57 where she taught grades one-five for 38 years.

Mrs. Sullender was named IPS 1989-90 Teacher of the Year for her dedication to her students and effective instruction strategies to engage students. Joy served on numerous educational committees and was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma with the mission to "promote personal and professional growth in education and excellence in education."

Only surviving relatives are nephews (and their children): Scott (Cari) Medaris, Hugh (Kay) Hattabaugh, John J. (Lisa) and Ron D. (Tawnee) Parrish. Caregivers who provided day to day needs over the years are Glenda Browning and Bill Robertson.

She was preceded in death by her husband Charles Sullender; sister, Hope V. Hattabaugh; brothers Frederick M. Medaris, Enoch H. Medaris ("Hugh"), and Jay Lowell Parrish.

Visitation for Joy will take place on Tuesday, December 30 from 12:00-2:00pm at Flanner Buchanan Washington Park East Funeral Home, 10722 E. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46229. A funeral service to celebrate Joy's life will follow at 2:00pm.