She was born March 19th, 1930 in Flint, Michigan to Connie & Cecil Hester. She married John Barnes in Flint in 1967.
Joyce earned a Bachelor's Degree from Michigan State University and a Master's Degree from University of Michigan. She taught elementary school in Flint before moving to Punta Gorda in 1970. She then taught at Sallie Jones and Meadow Park Elementary School until she retired. She was an active member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority as well as Delta Kappa Gamma and Charlotte County Retired Educators Association where she served in many capacities, including President. She especially enjoyed meeting many retired teachers and educators and worked hard for their scholarships to benefit local graduates. Joyce loved traveling and also enjoyed Collecting Miniatures from the Miniature Art Society of Florida which (her collection) are being donated to the Punta Gorda Visual Arts Center in her name. She also donated her collection of Books by her Nephew, Robert Sabuda to the Punta Gorda Library for the Children of Punta Gorda to enjoy.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, John Barnes. She is survived by four step-sons and their wives; Don & Aline Barnes of Michigan, Edward & Pam Barnes of Michigan, Robert and Wynona Barnes of Michigan and Larry & Peggy Barnes of Colorado, 8 Grandchildren, 12 Great Grandchildren, and 3 Great-Great Grandchildren. Joyce felt she was very fortunate to have lived in Punta Gorda and met so many wonderful friends over the years.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Friday, September 5, 2014 at Kay-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home 635 East Marion Avenue. Punta Gorda, Florida.
Following Celebration of life services, there will be refreshments served in the Celebration Room, all are invited. Inurnment will follow at Royal Palm Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to either Tidewell Hospice House, Charlotte County Retired Educators Association Scholarship fund (CCREA, %Joanne Bradley, 1662 Viscaya Drive, Port Charlotte, FL 33952) or to your favorite Charity.
Please visit the online tribute for Joyce D. Barnes at www.kays-ponger.com to sign the guest book and offer condolences to the family
Arrangements by Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home and Cremation services. Punta Gorda Chapel.
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