Elizabeth “Joy” Southern Barton, born March 21 in Claiborne County, Tenn., died Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in Houston Texas.

Survivors include her daughters, Ronda Barton, Melinda Barton and Kelli Barton; granddaughters, Stacey Duncan (husband Mike Duncan) and Kelsey Skibinski; sister, June Davis; brother, Max Southern (wife Mary Alice Southern); nieces, Vonda Kiplinger (husband Alan Kiplinger), Teresa Davis (husband-Tom Wallace) Kim Damron (husband Troy); great-nieces and nephews, Daniel Wallace, Ryan Wallace, Brandon Damron, Sabrina Damron, Ally Damron, Alexander Southern.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Mac Southern, Mossie (Estep) Southern; sister, Vonda (Southern) Estep; and nephew, Brian Southern.

Joy attended both Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., and Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tenn. Exceptionally smart, she graduated high school at age 16 and never stopped learning. She loved to bowl and play tennis, and played every sport except football when she was younger. She enjoyed working in the garden and cared for her own yard. She also did most of her home repairs herself, up until the last year of her life. She had more tools than most men have. She was a successful business owner for many years, and successfully raised three daughters.

A devoted grandmother, her two granddaughters were her pride and joy. She always supported her family, attended as many of their events as she could, and was unfailingly generous in her love for her family. She was the strong tower, the matriarch, the wise grandmother and mother who could always be turned to for advice, and always overflowing with love. She was and still is loved by her family and friends. She will forever be missed, and never forgotten.

Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. Sunday at Reece Funeral Home. She will be buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in Tennessee because no matter where she lived, she always felt that Claiborne County, Tenn., was her home.

Arrangements by Reece Funeral Home, 869-3651 or www.reecefh.com.