Linda Joyce Keatts Pickering, age 79 of Clarksville, passed away Thursday, July 15, 2021 at Jubilee House.
She was born in Big Rock, Tenn. on September 2, 1941, the third daughter to the late Ruby Lee and Malcolm “Mouse” Keatts. She was preceded in death by her husband of more than 57 years, Bill Pickering, as well as her sister, Marlyn Manners, and brother, Donnie Keatts.
Joyce is survived by her daughters, Tiffany Bright and Senia Newman; sister, Peggy Maule; brother-in-law, Dean Maule; and grandchildren, Keaton Bright, Caiden Bright and Trista Newman.
Joyce was a fierce, educated, forward-thinking woman. She was a member of the basketball team at Big Rock Grade School. She also was a cheerleader at Woodlawn High School, where she graduated with high marks. Her quest for knowledge not satiated, Joyce attended and obtained a bachelors of science in health studies at Austin Peay State University, where she was voted Best Dressed.
During her studies at Austin Peay, she met and married Bill Pickering in 1963. Upon graduation, she taught health and physical education in the Montgomery County School District. She retired from teaching full time after giving birth to their first of two daughters. She later helped raise her nephew, Kevin Manners, after the tragic passing of his mother, Marlyn. Joyce continued to work occasionally for the school district as a substitute teacher while her children were young.
Joyce loved family above all else, but she was also passionate about music, dancing, playing the piano, gardening and shrimp with avocado. Joyce was active in her church. She taught Sunday School at Hilldale Methodist, where she was a member. During her life, Joyce was a member of Big Rock Baptist Church, Woodlawn Methodist Church, Hilldale Methodist Church and First Baptist Church.
A celebration of life service was held July 22 at the chapel of Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home. Burial followed at Smith-Austin Cemetery in Indian Mound. A visitation was held July 22 at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Arrangements are entrusted to Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, 1510 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040; (931) 213-3603. A live streaming of the service may be viewed and online condolences may be made at www.nealtarpleyparchman.com.