Our dear mother, Joyce Emma Barrett Kerr, passed away on January 30, 2021 at age 94 in Spokane, WA while recovering from surgery. Joyce was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on May 8, 1926 to Bruce Arnie Barrett and Josie Myrtle Ross Barrett. During her teen years, Joyce relished her newspaper route after school. She had 108 customers and she loved every one of them, along with accomplishing useful work. These early qualities of joy, energy, service, and work-ethic were hallmarks of her personality all the days of her life. Joyce graduated from Logan High School in 1944 and attended the University of Utah Nursing School, where she met her eternal sweetheart, Raymond Monson Kerr. While she loved nursing, she loved him even more! They were married on August 30, 1945 in the Salt Lake Temple. As a young couple during WWII, they moved to St. Louis, MO where Ray did his medical residency and Leland was born, and then to Seattle, WA where Ray was stationed as an Army Transport Surgeon on troop ships. After military service Ray and Joyce chose Kennewick, WA to raise their six children, establish a medical practice, and spearhead building Kennewick General Hospital. They actively contributed to the growth and betterment of the Tri-Cities and their Church throughout their lives. In 2016, Joyce was honored as the Kennewick Woman of the Year. Joyce was devoted to her family and steadfast in her faith and patriotism. She was known for her beautiful smile and character. She had an open-hearted love for all God's children and creations. Joyce lived an abundant life focused on things she truly valued. Her calendar was filled with celebrations, holiday gatherings, travels, reunions, and frequent activities with her treasured family. She delighted in opportunities to learn, contribute, explore, and play. "Fun" is the essence of her positive perspective, even when doing chores. Her dedication and love for her Savior was ever-present through a lifetime of service. One of the highlights of her life was serving a mission with her husband for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Joyce is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. Raymond Kerr (1994), parents, brother Bruce Barrett, son-in-law Michael McCullough, and five precious grandchildren. Her family is comforted thinking of their heavenly reunion. Joyce recently wrote, "I look forward to the time when I can kiss the sweet hands that nurtured me as I see my precious Mother and Father. I know I will get to hold the precious littles ones that preceded us home." She is survived by her sister, DeLona Wuthrich (Bountiful, Utah), and her children: Leland (Nancy) Kerr, Sherrie McCullough, Douglas (Jeanne) Kerr, Patricia (Steven) Jones, Bruce (Renee) Kerr, and John (Brenda) Kerr, all living near her in the Tri Cities. Joyce was blessed with 27 grandchildren and she cherished each of them and their spouses. She lived to see 43 great-grand children born whom she adored, along with her nieces and nephews, and other special friends-like-family in her life. In her book, This is My Story, published for her family at Christmas 2020, she wrote, "My life has been enriched by family, friends, and teachers who have helped build, fashion, shape and strengthen me. I give them my gratitude and love forever." Based on COVID-19 protocols, a small family funeral will be held on Saturday, February 6th at 10AM. Family and friends may view the service anytime at www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYu0H8gnoI0. Family and friends are kindly invited to sign the Online Guestbook, share memories, and read additional details of her life at www.hillcrestfunerals.com including her recognition as 2016 Kennewick Woman of the Year and her article, "Why I Believe Jesus is the Christ, and This is His Church." In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Joyce may consider donating to The Humanitarian Aid Fund at www.give.ChurchofJesusChrist.org/humanitarian-aid . To open the article from the Tri-City Herald, please click here Please enjoy reading reading this overview of Joyce's life and accomplishments. COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP: Joyce Kerr is a servant-leader; her focus is on developing, encouraging, and helping others. She is skilled at recognizing problems and/or needs, persistently identifying solutions, and willingly doing her part. She leads through service and example. Here are some of the ways she has shown concern for others in Kennewick: 1. Trained Team Read reading tutor in Kennewick Schools. 2. Served as a Guardian ad litem. 3. Sponsored Laotian and Cambodian refugee families. 4. Leader in community emergency preparedness during Cold War. 5. Taught English classes to refugees (as a volunteer). 6. Longtime member of League of Women Voters. 7. Longtime member of Kennewick General Hospital Auxiliary. 8. Activist for local hospital and health care access, including building KGH. 9. KGH Foundation – Home Town Hero for multiple years. 10. Involved in creation of Tri-Cities Cancer Center. 11. Worked with the disabled at Columbia Industries. 12. Cub Scout leader and Boy Scout "Guide Patrol" leader. 13. Sewed costumes for high school programs and dance groups. 14. Donated dozens of quilts to non-profit agencies, such as Crisis Centers. 15. President of women's service organization at her Church (twice). 16. Nurse support for Red Cross blood drives and emergency response. 17. Volunteered at nursing homes to teach crafts, entertain, and visit the lonely. 18. Sang with musical group, Kettle Scrapers, at nursing homes, fair and community events. 19. Plays with Serendipity Strings at community events (see Herald photo, Sept 5, 2016) 20. Cared for her elderly father- and mother-in-law in her home. I'M NOMINATING JOYCE KERR BECAUSE: (1,000 words) Introduction: Joyce B. Kerr is 90 years old; she has contributed relentlessly to the Kennewick community since 1948; she has a matchless grace, empathy and service-ethic that would never seek accolades or awards. Yet she is the essence of a great Kennewick Woman of the Year. By her countless and consistent acts of service, she has made significant impact on the well-being of Kennewick and its citizens for nearly 70 years. She has given service without ever receiving financial compensation, even though she was trained as a nurse. Her reward is living with integrity, lifting others, and making a positive difference. Joyce is known for her cheerfulness, sincerity, and zest! She is admired, appreciated, and adored by her immense circle of friends. She is happiest when she is helping others; it's her very nature and daily quest. Leadership Qualities: Joyce is worthy to be the 2016 Kennewick Woman of the year for three overarching reasons: First, honor Joyce for her vision and courage. As a young bride during WWII, her husband became an Army Transport Surgeon on troop ships based in Washington State. After he was honorably discharged, their goal was to find a community that needed a doctor, and that's why they settled in Kennewick! Bravely she committed to starting a medical practice and raising a family in a dusty, rural town far from her friends or relatives…because this was where they could provide valuable, life-saving service. She has been an active, contributing member of the community ever since. Joyce was keenly involved in building Kennewick's first hospital. In those early days her husband took a ferry across the Columbia River to attend to patients at Our Lady of Lourdes; during frequent floods, he was stranded. The need for local hospital access was unmistakable. In the 1950's she participated in fundraising and marketing efforts for Kennewick General Hospital, and she continues to support Trios and the medical community to this day. Her bulletin board proudly displays rows of "Hometown Hero" ribbons from KGH. She was also involved in the creation of the Tri-Cities Cancer Center, and before that the Nuclear Medicine Center. Second, honor Joyce for her dedication and consistency. The cumulative impact of a lifetime of selflessness service is immeasurable and powerful. Rather than a few key successes, Joyce's contribution to Kennewick is the result of over 25,000 days of meaningful and timely aid. Unpretentious and steadfast acts of service are the hallmark of her life. When Joyce knows of a problem, she actively seeks solutions, then rolls up her sleeves and gets to work. She has the rare quality of gladly fulfilling assignments, while also being able to assume leadership roles if needed. Examples include: 1) when there was a need for Guardian ad litems she completed the difficult training and embarked on providing this valuable service; 2) during the Cold War she spearheaded local efforts in Emergency Preparedness; and 3) in the aftermath of the Vietnam War she valiantly sponsored and assisted local refugees and continues to do so to this day. Trained as a nurse, she is knowledgeable in assisting others in times of illness and sorrow. Whether helping with Red Cross blood drives, taking people to doctors' appointments, caring for them in their home, or volunteering at nursing homes, Joyce has freely shared her time and energy serving those in need. Her skill, tenderness, and sparkle have eased much suffering. From 1950-1972 her children attended Kennewick schools, and she was an active volunteer assisting classroom teachers and students. She was a PTA leader and supported a wide range of extra-curricular activities, such as sewing costumes for drama productions, decorating and chaperoning events, and fundraising for marching band. She enjoyed Boy Scout activities and empowered young men by building their character, confidence, and self-reliance. She was a leader in the Cub Scouts and Guide Patrol, participated in numerous service projects, and guided her four sons in becoming Eagle Scouts. During the last decade (80-90 years old), while she had personal health challenges that would discourage most people, Joyce has remained purposefully involved serving others. For example, she has been a weekly Team Read tutor for 16 years in Kennewick schools. She is the oldest and longest volunteer in the program, and was featured on the front page of the Tri-City Herald, Nov. 26, 2016. She has unfailingly volunteered in her Church, including leadership roles in youth programs, teaching Sunday classes, and twice serving as president of the woman's service group. Third, honor Joyce for her exemplary role as a woman and individual. Motherhood is a choice a woman makes every day to put someone else's happiness and well-being ahead of her own. And every day for 70 years, Joyce has been that kind of woman. A widow since 1994, Joyce is matriarch of a large, active family. Five of her six children and their spouses live in Kennewick; the other couple lives in West Richland. Twelve of her 34 grandchildren live near her, and they are raising their children to follow her example of service, self-sufficiency, and citizenship. Joyce is a great patriot and loves the U.S. Constitution. A member of the League of Women Voters for many years, she remains politically astute and involved locally and nationally. She researches issues and candidates, contributes her resources, and votes conscientiously. Joyce is an exceptionally creative person, and she uses her talents to cheer others and herself. She designs and sews beautiful creations and often donates them to charitable organizations. She shares her joy of music with others by singing in choirs and preforming in bands. She is also a ventriloquist and invents delightful shows to entertain folks in assisted living facilities. Conclusion: When Joyce and her husband, Dr. Raymond Kerr, looked for a place to live and work after World War II, they had many opportunities ahead of them. Their choice to invest their future in Kennewick has made a lasting impact on their family and community. Joyce's relentless and meaningful contributions have uplifted countless people and made Kennewick a better place to live. Rather than read about her influence later in her Obituary, I invite you, as her peers, to honor her now as Kennewick's exemplary Woman of the Year. Thank you.