Parsons teacher who walked to work daily retires after 38 years

PARSONS, Tenn. — For almost 40 years, one teacher’s assistant has walked to and from school every day, but today she walked home one last time.

Sunshine, rain, or snow, it didn’t matter to Joyce Williams, a teacher’s assistant at Parsons Elementary, she walked home every day for 38 years straight.

Now at 74 years young, she says it’s time to retire, however, the staff at Parsons Elementary decided to make her last walk home special.

“She lives a good half-a-mile away, but she’s walked to and from work this whole time. And so her last day, we think to pay her homage, we’re going to make the trip with her,” said Dr. Amanda Creasy, grants administrator and event organizer.

So, hand-in-hand with her husband, accompanied by friends, co-workers and former students, Mrs. Williams left the school and set off for the short walk home for the last time.

“I can’t even tell you how I feel. I’m so happy. That’s why I’m crying I guess, because I’m so happy,” said Mrs. Williams.

According to Parsons Elementary staff, ‘Miss Joyce’ has been apart of the school for so long, it was a common saying that she raised half the children in Decatur County.

“We can’t really put into words, the impact that she’s had on the countless lives of our youth over the years,” said Hugh Smith, personnel director and secondary supervisor of instruction.

About retirement, Miss Joyce says it’s a good occasion but also a sad one.

How will she spend her retirement? Traveling of course.

“I will miss some of my co-workers, and I’ll miss the children most,” said Mrs. Williams.

Right after getting home, Mrs. Williams turned around and walked back to the school with the crowd where most people parked their vehicle because she “Just wanted to walk with her friends.”

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