Lewis, Joyce Kirby

Joyce Ann Kirby Lewis died on Monday, July 20, 2015. A native of Cookeville, Tenn., she was a resident of Blacksburg, Va., for over 45 years. She was the only daughter of the late Ridley and Edna Kirby of Cookeville, Tenn.

She was also preceded in death by her three brothers and their wives, Paul Hatfield Kirby (Clara), William Henry Kirby (Catherine) and Ridley Kirby Jr. (Phyllis).

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Clark Houston Lewis; two sons, Clark Houston (Skip) Lewis Jr. of Santa Rosa, Calif., and John Lewis and his wife, Susan Tuttle Lewis, of Pasadena, Md.; two granddaughters, Blair Lewis and Brooke Lewis, both of Pasadena, Md.

Joyce received her BS degree in Business from Tennessee Tech in Cookeville, Tenn. She was a certified business teacher at the secondary level.

Joyce was active in many community activities. She served as President of the Blacksburg Regional Art Association and as President of the Montgomery County Mental Health Association. She also served as Chairman of the Montgomery County Republican Party. In addition to serving on the Blacksburg Planning Commission, she was elected and served 20 years on the Blacksburg Town Council, during which time she was elected President of the Virginia Municipal League.

Other than being a wife and mother, one of her most rewarding activities was serving as a tutor to help adults learn to read. Joyce was a member of the Blacksburg Church of Christ.

At Joyce’s request, there will be no public funeral service. A memorial service will be held at the Blacksburg Church of Christ, 315 East Eakin St., on August 2, 2015 at 4pm. Burial will be in Cookeville, alongside her parents and other family members.