Helen Joyce Best Kerr

Helen Joyce Best Kerr, 94, Maryville, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Tuesday morning, March 31, 2026. Joyce was born on December 27, 1931, in Blount County, TN. She lived most of her life on the property where she was born. She was a graduate of Lanier High School. She enjoyed caring for her family, gardening, needlework, and being involved with church. She was a member of Mount Carmel Baptist Church and a former member of Centenary Baptist.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Hillard Best and Ruth Maxwell Best; husband of 60 years, James W. Kerr; brothers, Lawrence and Charles E. Best; sisters, Thelma Thomas and Mary Clark.

Left to cherish her memory are her son and daughter-in-law, Terry and Teresa Kerr; daughter and son-in-law, Angela and David Hodges; granddaughters and husbands, Stephanie and Matthew Hearon, Katelin and Seth Albright, Jessica and Elijah Davis; great grandchildren, Samuel James Hearon, Lydia Mae Hearon and Ruth Evelyn Albright; sisters-in-law, Lorene Kerr and Delores Blair; several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 2:30 PM Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Mount Carmel Baptist Church, 910 Walker School Rd, Maryville, TN. A graveside service will follow, at 3:00 PM at Centenary Cemetery with Matthew Hearon officiating.