Joyce R. Marlin

Joyce Marlin, longtime resident of the Sandy Hook Community, passed away on July 17, 2015 at Maury Regional Medical Center. Miss Joyce had battled a long illness but was recovering nicely until pneumonia took the last of her immense strength.

Joyce Marlin was born in her parent’s house, to the late Joe L. and Ester Roddy, in Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee.

While working at the local movie theatre, she met and was courted by James Walter Marlin. They were married on November 26, 1953. Miss Joyce experienced newlywed life by moving from place to place as L&N railroad relocated her husband Walter to thirteen towns in eight years.

Feeling like a professional mover, Joyce could pack up and move in a jiffy. The Marlins remained in Ardmore, Alabama for several years where their first daughter, Sandy, attended school and here they welcomed little sister Donna into the moving crew. Sandy’s favorite saying in school was “my momma can do it” and she always did. From midnight cupcakes to fancy Valentine’s Day boxes, she was the most willing and creative mom ever.

In the mid-sixties, the old Marlin home place in Sandy Hook was for sale and L&N had a job opening in Mt. Pleasant… so there was one more move. Leaving a new brick house in Ardmore, she made a home in the only building on the property – an unwired and unplumbed depot. Treating it as yet another adventure, Joyce made that old depot a life changing experience.

Moving days behind her, she became a favorite band mom, cheerleader mom, and tobacco farmer’s wife. The Marlin house was always where the kids came to experience country life and the best roast beef and gravy in the world.

Third daughter, Lynn, was actually able to grow up in one place and another new brick home. That home included two Grandfather clocks – built by Walter then stained and finished by Miss Joyce.

Joyce loved all holidays and decorating – especially going all out for Christmas. Everybody in the neighborhood looked forward to her Christmas nutty-fudge and fun decorations. Her favorite pastime was spending time with her beloved, only grandchild, T.J. She enjoyed yard sales and loved the hours that she spent mowing the prettiest acres around.

Joyce Marlin’s family invites you to visit and celebrate her life with a casual visitation at Williams Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Anyone having a funny or encouraging tale about Joyce is encouraged to come prepared to share those wonderful memories during the last thirty minutes of visitation.

A private burial will be scheduled at a later date.

Joyce is survived by her husband James Walter Marlin of Mt. Pleasant; daughters Sandy Marlin Foster (Gene) of Summertown, Donna Marlin Jones (Thomas) of Mt. Pleasant, and Lynn Marlin Smith (Jason) of Lawrenceburg; grandson T.J. Jones of Mt. Pleasant; brothers Joe L. Roddy, Jr. and W.E. Roddy; and nephews Tony Roddy and Marty Roddy.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents Joe and Ester Roddy; and her sister Jean Roddy.

Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.williamsfh.com .