Barbara Joyce Martin

Barbara Joyce Martin

April 14th, 1933 - December 21, 2025

Barbara “Joyce” Martin, née Owens, of Setolah, Georgia, passed peacefully at home in Friendsville, Tennessee, on December 21, surrounded by family, at the age of 92.

She is survived by her loving husband of 69 years, William “Bill” Martin; her three children, Gery Martin, Theodore Martin, and Morinda Gale; and her nine grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Jason, Adam, Emily, Anna, Griffin, Tucker, Nicholas, Emma, and baby Sky. Joyce was predeceased by her two young daughters, Barbara Jean and Gloria Kay, who passed in 1956.

Joyce and Bill shared a true storybook romance. All day long, you would hear her say, “I love you, Bill Martin.” They met on Halloween night in 1956 and were married just a few months later, on January 17, 1957. Bill worked as a mechanic for United Airlines, originally Capital Airlines, for over 30 years. Before moving to Tennessee, Joyce and Bill were longtime residents of Springfield, Virginia, and lived all over the country for his work with the airline.

Joyce worked for many years at her aunt and uncle’s beloved Alexandria restaurant, Southern Pig BBQ. She was incredibly proud to be from Georgia and of her large Southern family. She was known for having a warm, inviting home where everyone was welcome. Joyce loved gospel music and nature, especially admiring the many birds around their home, camping at Indian Acres, and taking long drives with her husband.

A graveside service will be held at Smith Mortuary in Maryville, Tennessee, on Friday, December 26, 2025.