Rest in Peace, Joyce

I am so sad to say that on Monday we recieved the news that our lender for our new home who had been with us from the beginning of finding the property, approving us when most lending institutions would not finance a log home (we plan on paying it off once our other home sells in accordance with our trying to stay debt-free principle) and working with us through the first failed closing once the land deed recording mishap was discovered was tragically killed this weekend.  Our agent called saying Joyce had been run over by her her husband in his pick-up truck on Saturday at the cemetary.  She had been placing flowers on her daughter's grave when her husband of 21 years accidentally backed over her.  He didn't even realize what he had done until some first responders who had been attending a near by grave side service witnessed what had happened and frantically tried to get his attention.

Joyce was an amazing woman, a fabulous banking executive who "failed retirement" in her own words to us, went back to work after retiring once from Regions bank of 45 years.  She was incredible to work with and went to bat for us many times, taking personally our business.  I bragged on her several times to our family during this relocation process and can proudly say we made a friend as well as a business connection.  The tragic way in which she died makes it even more devistating and difficult to comprehend.  We just saw her last Tuesday and recieved her business "thank you" note ironically this Saturday...the day she died.  Without Joyce we probably would not be in our new home, giving new meaning to owing a DEBT of gratitude.  I attended the visitation today and felt so honored to know and say good-bye to such a fabulous person.  Thank you, Joyce... for so many things.  ~ Alice

Joyce Dockery

Joyce Dockery Joyce Dockery, 65, died Saturday, May 7, 2011, at Holston Valley Hospital after a tragic accident. Born in Kingsport, Tenn., she spent the first few years of her life in Miami, Fla. before returning and becoming a lifelong resident of Kingsport. She was preceded in death by her parents, father, Brodus W. Dougherty and mother, Lotus McConnell Dougherty; her husband, Gale H. Johnson and daughter, Susan Johnson. She is survived by her husband, Harris Dockery, Kingsport; son, Buddy Johnson of Blountville, Tenn.; one sister, Donna Judd and husband, Gary, of Matthews, N.C.; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and many dear friends. Joyce was a graduate of Lynn View High School and the Southeastern School of Banking. Spending a lifelong career in banking, Joyce served as senior vice president of TriSummit Bank and Church Circle Financial Center manager; she was instrumental in opening the center on Church Circle. She was also an involved community volunteer serving on many boards including serving as a past director for Habitat for Humanity and Opportunities Unlimited. She was a past member of the Kingsport Housing Coalition and Downtown Kingsport and Lynn Garden Optimist Clubs. Joyce was also a graduate of Leadership Kingsport. Throughout her career Joyce had many accomplishments including being named Woman of the Year 1999 by the Altrusa Club of Kingsport. Joyce was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, and friend who was loved by all who knew her. A very outgoing and giving person, Joyce was always ready and willing to help others. She never met a stranger and will be missed dearly by all whose lives she touched in many different ways. Her death has left a void that will be hard to fill. The family will receive friends from 12 until 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, 2011, at East Lawn Funeral Home Chapel with funeral services being held at the funeral home chapel at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Gary Addington officiating. Burial will follow at East Lawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joyce's memory to Habitat for Humanity. Please visit www.eastlawnkingsport.com to leave a condolence for the Dockery family. East Lawn Funeral Home is honored to serve the Dockery family.

Published in Bristol Herald Courier