The Town of Chapel Hill proudly announced Marion Joyce as this year’s “Citizen of the Year,” for her unwavering dedication to the service of the citizens of Chapel Hill and her exceptional life’s commitment to public service, education and preserving the history of Chapel Hill.
L to R- Tommy & Marion Joyce; son Brittain Joyce; sister-in-law Patsy Floyd; sister-in-law Robby Joyce.
Ms. Joyce’s life is exemplified in her service to others. She is a wife, mother of two adult children, a grandmother, a lifelong educator, a friend to many in the community, a public servant on the elected boards she served, and a community volunteer.
Known for her community involvement and leadership, she was instrumental in recruiting and leading volunteers to get involved with various projects that serviced the Chapel Hill and the surrounding area.
Some of the impactful initiatives:
- Her public service on the board of Mayor and Alderman for 16 years helped to lead and prepare Chapel Hill for the growth it is now experiencing. In addition, she also represented Chapel Hill on the Marshall County Board of Commissioners.
- She was instrumental in relocating and remodeling the Chapel Hill branch of the Marshall County Library. The project allows students to experience the resources of an updated facility, as well as the access to review the local archives that are stored on site.
- She organized and was an instrumental leader in the ceremony of “Wreaths Across America” in which veteran service personnel who died and served our country had a wreath placed on their burial place in a ceremony.
- Ms. Joyce is an author with her latest book being “Journey to the ROCK” – a hundred year history of Forrest High School football.
The Town of Chapel Hill formally honored Ms. Joyce at a luncheon she was attending at the Chapel Hill Community Center. Town Administrator Danny Bingham and a whole host of friends, board members, former students, and family surprised her with the Citizen of the Year presentation. Alderman Ben Piper spoke of the influence and support that Marion had given to him and he was grateful for her friendship. Mr. Bingham spoke of the time they shared together when she was an alderman. Others in the audience commented on their friendship with Ms. Joyce. One of the responsibilities when selected as Citizen of the Year, is to serve as the Grand Marshall of the Chapel Hill Christmas parade. Ms. Joyce and her husband Tommy will have that honor. Congratulations to Ms. Marion Joyce, Chapel Hill’s 2024 Citizen of the Year.
