Joyce Bishop Smith

Joyce Bishop Smith, age 88 of Bolivar, passed away Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at the Hardin Medical Center in Savannah.
A native of Hardeman County, Mrs. Smith was born Sunday, November 21, 1926, to the late Julius Egbert and Beulah Stewart Bishop in Middleton, and graduated from Middleton High School. In 1943, she was united in marriage to Philip Bishop, who preceded her in death on October 15, 1968. On July 5, 1970, she married Derald Smith, who survives.
After her three sons were in elementary school, she enrolled at the University of Memphis, and eventually obtained a bachelor's degree, master's degree, and 45 hours beyond a master's degree. In 1956, she began teaching in Hardeman County schools as a substitute teacher. Then, in 1959, she started teaching full-time. She retired in June of 1997 after a 38 year career as a teacher, principal, and instructional supervisor.
Mrs. Smith was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Bolivar, where she served on many committees. She also belonged to many organizations including the Hardeman County Retired Teachers Association, Tennessee Education Association, Business and Professional Women's Club, Hardeman County Arts Council, Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities. Her family stated that she was very family oriented and that her family, her church and her work were her hobbies.

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