Linda Joyce (Keatts) Pickering

Linda Joyce Keatts Pickering, age 79, of Clarksville, passed away Thursday, July 15, 2021, at Jubilee House.

Joyce was born in Big Rock, TN 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 57.5 years, Bill Pickering; as well as her sister Marlyn Manners and brother Donnie Keatts.

Joyce is survived by two daughters, Tiffany Bright of Kingston Springs, TN and Senia Newman of Portland, OR; sister, Peggy Maule and brother-in-law Dean Maule of Portland, OR; and grandchildren, Keaton and Caiden Bright of Kingston Springs and Trista Newman of Portland.

Joyce was a fierce, educated, forward-thinking woman. She was a member of the basket ball team at Big Rock Grade School.  She was a cheerleader at and graduated from Woodlawn High School 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; though she was also passionate about music, dancing, playing the piano, gardening, plus 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 will be held Thursday, July 22, at 4:00 PM, at the Chapel of Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, with Rev. John Mark Thomas officiating. Burial will follow at Smith-Austin Cemetery, in Indian Mound. Visitation will be Thursday, July 22, from 3:00 PM until the hour of service, 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. Live streaming may be viewed and online condolences may be made at www.nealtarpleyparchman.com.

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