Joyce L. Edwards, of Knoxville, departed this life on March 8, 2017. She was a middle school teacher with Knox County Schools for 30 years. She poured her heart and soul into enriching her students' lives. She stressed the importance of education, and how it can propel you into your destiny. This was her life's mission. She coveted every precious moment with her students and her colleagues. She was preceded in death by her father, Grady Edwards, Sr.; mother, Mattie Lee Bishop Edwards; siblings, Robert Edwards, Grady Edwards, Jr., Mildred Phillips, and Virginia Williams-Smith. She is survived by her daughter, Natalie Edwards; sister-in-law, Sara Edwards; brother-in-law, Herman Phillips; and a host of nieces and nephews, and very close friends. A private graveside service will be held at Sherwood Memorial Gardens.
