Joy Wixson

Born in Jonesboro, Arkansas on December 19, 1938

Departed on August 27, 2015 and resided in Nashville, Tennessee

Dr. Joy Lenita Wixson died August 27, 2015 in Nashville, Tennessee. Lenita was born December 19. 1938 in Jonesboro, Arkansas to Roy Wixson and Anna Pohlner Wixson who preceded her in death. She spent her childhood in Fisher, Arkansas and graduated from Weiner High School in 1956. She went on to receive her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from Arkansas State University where she majored in Health and Physical Education and was a member of AOPi. Lenita was a faithful member of the Fisher United Methodist Church in Fisher, Arkansas and was commissioned as a US2 Missionary Class of 1962 to serve in various communities in the United States. During her time as a US2 she served at Mather Academy in South Carolina and Vashti Girls School in Thomasville, Georgia and Lumberton High School in North Carolina. In 1974, she came to Nashville, TN to attend George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University where she received an Education Specialist Degree and in 1983 received her Ph.D. She made Nashville home and taught Physical Education at Tennessee Preparatory School and Tennessee School for the Blind until her retirement in 2009. Her teaching career spanned almost 50 years. She was a member of many professional organizations and received numerous awards during her professional career. Of note, was the Pathfinder Award and Presidential Citation from the National Association of Girls and Women in Sport, the Susan B. Anthony Award from the Tennessee Education Association for her commitment to social justice and diversity, and a Roundtable Award from Peabody College, Her commitment as a Girl Scout Leader for 30 years also was recognized by many awards. Lenita's passion for education led her to support numerous young people both locally and globally in pursuit of their college education. In January of this year, Lenita endowed the Dr. Joy Lenita Wixson Endowment Fund of the Methodist Church General Board of Global Ministries. This scholarship fund will support young people of the Methodist Church in mission throughout the world. She was a longtime member of Bellemeade United Methodist Church in Nashville, Lenita leaves a legacy as a person who had a giving spirit, a good heart, an advocate for the most vulnerable in our society, and a passion for the education and spiritual growth of children.

She is survived by her sister Sandra Wixson Kellems and Randy Kellems, her beloved neice Kristina Joy Kellems Hull and Josh Hull, her brother Carl Edwin Wixson, members of her family, her many friends, students, and colleagues, and her devoted caregivers.

Visitation will be Saturday, October 17, 2015 from 12:00 Noon thru 2:00 pm with a Memorial Service beginning at 2:00 pm; all at the Belle Meade United Methodist Church, 121 Davidson Rd, Nashville, TN 37205.

Memorial Gifts may be made to the Dr. Joy Lenita Wixson Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 58662, Nashville, TN 37205 or to the Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee. You may also give to an organization of your choice.