Our beloved Granny has journeyed to a far better place we cannot yet go. Joyce Pressnell Watson was born May 7, 1942, and passed peacefully at her home April 22, 2024, surrounded by her devoted family. A Claiborne County native, she attended Fort Sanders Nursing School at The University of Tennessee at Knoxville. While there, she participated in basketball, softball, and volleyball. It was during this time that she met the love of her life at a baptism at Palmer’s Junction. Roscoe and Joyce exchanged some “googly eyes”, had their first date at The Frostee Freeze Drive-In, and that was that!
After working as a Registered Nurse at Claiborne County Hospital, Joyce became the Licensing Practical Nurse Instructor under a statewide program that was recognized across the nation. Countless students received their license under her instruction. Because nursing was in her blood, she worked as a school nurse for Claiborne County Schools shortly after retiring as the LPN Instructor. Genealogy became her new passion after she finally retired, so she became extremely active in the Historical Society, Cemetery Association, and Claiborne County Archives.
Joyce was a member of the Grand Chapter of Tennessee Order of the Eastern Star, the Claiborne County Retired Teachers Association, and the Tennessee Walking Horse Association. She enjoyed showing her favorite horse, Rambler. All of her family and friends will remember her as perhaps the biggest University of Tennessee fan ever.
As an active member of Sunrise Baptist Church, Joyce could be counted on to be in attendance at every opportunity. She enjoyed organizing events and planning meals for church members, friends, and family. She was an active volunteer during the annual Crusade for Christ. Her faith provided her the strength necessary to battle cancer for sixteen years and fight she did. Granny found the strength to smile and tell her grandchildren and great grandchildren she loved them right up to the last night. It was truly amazing to witness how she lit up for them, even though her energy must have been exhausted. She was a true example of strength and dedication.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Shade and Dollie (Poore) Pressnell and siblings, Marie (Avery) Norris, Lawrence (Edith) Pressnell, Everett (Reba) Pressnell, Chester Pressnell, Kenneth Pressnell, Cecil (Gene) Stickle, Helen (Jack) Smith, John Pressnell, Tom (Thelma) Pressnell, Velma (Norris) Keck, Faye (John) Lane; sister-in-law, Thelma (Tom) Pressnell; brothers-in-law, Bill Parker, John (Judy) Watson, Benny Breeding.
Survived by husband of sixty years, Roscoe Watson; daughter, Karen (Steve) Clay; son, Greg (Melanie) Watson; daughter, Kim (Scott) Turner; grandchildren, Kina (Cameron) Kilpatrick, Samantha (Adam) Bates, Joseph (Kassie) Watson, Emmitt (Abigail) Turner, and Eli Turner (Kalen Beeler); great grandchildren, Ava and Jude Kilpatrick, Emma, Brycen, and Josie Watson, and Penelope Turner; Sisters-in-law, Ruthie Breeding and Margaret Pressnell; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at The University of Tennessee Cancer Institute, The University of Tennessee Infusion Center, and The University of Tennessee Hospice. Your patience and understanding with our sometimes-challenging family as we advocated for her best care is truly appreciated.
The family will receive friends Friday, April 26th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Coffey Funeral Home. Graveside services will begin at 11:00 a.m. at Irish Memorial Cemetery with Pastor Sam Griffin officiating. Joshua Bailey and family will play and sing “Because He Loved Me” at the graveside. When Joyce discovered that Josh was teaching himself to play the guitar, she gave him a copy of that song and asked him to learn to play and sing it. The night before her passing, Josh played while his family accompanied him. It was the last song she heard in this world.
Pallbearers: Tim Beeler, Steven Blankenship, Craig Brewer, Brad Dyer, Ed England, Isaiah Griffin, Tommy Jennings, Johnny Logan, Junior Nance, Isaac Nunn, Lennie Patton, Matt Rogers, and Travis Williams.
