Joyce Elaine Barkley

Joyce Elaine Barkley, age 85, of Olivet, passed away, Thursday, February 20, 2020, at Flower House Assisted Living in Nashville. She was born February 7, 1935, in Charlotte the daughter of Eaton and Vera (Whitbeck) Thornton. Joyce graduated from Olivet High School in 1953. Joyce married Jack Barkley in 1962. Together they raised a beautiful family at their home in Olivet. Joyce was a meticulous housekeeper. On Saturdays you would always find Joyce in the kitchen baking for her family. Her mincemeat cookies, pecan pie, and peanut butter fudge were a few of the childrens favorite recipes. In her spare time, she and Jack enjoyed traveling, square-dancing, and playing games. Joyce is survived by her children: Jack Barkley of Olivet, Joe (Mary) Barkley of Olivet, Debra (John) Maxwell of Olivet, Candace (Mark) Venske of Texas, Shelly (Rex) Mann of Olivet; special niece, Bonnie Stansbury; 15 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jack Barkley; daughter, Connie Wooten; daughter-in-law, Judy Barkley; great-grandson, Jackson Dotson; brothers, Kenneth (Virginia) Thornton, Carl (Zelma) Thornton, sister, Ina (Leonard) Post. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 26, 2020, at 11 A.M. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Steve Byrens officiating. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 4 P.M. to 7 P.M. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Bosworth Cemetery. Following the interment a luncheon will be held at the Lee Township Hall. Those desiring, may make contributions in Joyces honor to the Alzheimers Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001.