Joyce Webb Summers

Joyce “Gocie” Webb Summers passed away peacefully at home on October 17, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.  She was born on September 27, 1939, in Linden, to the late John “Luke” and Lorene Conder Webb.  An avid sports person, she played High School basketball and always supported her Perry County Vikings. Later in life Joyce was known to wear orange as she rooted for the UT Lady Vols Basketball team whether in person or while watching games on TV.

Joyce graduated from Austin Peay State College in 1961 with a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and History.  She then moved to Florida, where she taught PE and coached basketball in Suwannee, Duval, and Indian River Counties for over 30 years.  She taught as integration was implemented and also oversaw pre-kindergarten programs. Joyce required excellence from her students and encouraged them to be caring persons.  She inspired many to pursue their athletic abilities.

She retired from public education and moved home to Perry County in 1992. She was an active member of the First Christian Church, volunteered at the food bank, participated in local Democratic Party events, and served as a poll worker. She also served as a substitute teacher and taught in the GED program.

Joyce is survived by her loving boys, Joe “Joey” Ricks Baker, Jr., of Linden, and Jerome “Jomey” Baker of Seattle, along with four beautiful granddaughters, Braylen, Jasmine, Jolie, and Ansley, and her siblings, Ned (Marge) of West Chester, Ohio; Holly (Nina) of Spring Hill; Bonnie Mae of Nashville; Cheryl (Will) of Memphis, and Gil of Linden. She was preceded in death by her husband, George Summers. Gocie adored her five nephews and niece and many other beloved family members and friends, including her special companion, Bob Soncrant.

In lieu of flowers, friends and family are encouraged to honor Joyce through contributions to the following groups:  The Pat Summitt Foundation, The Joyce Webb Summers Physical Education Scholarship at Florida Southern College, or the Perry County Food Bank. 

https://patsummitt.org/

https://www.flsouthern.edu/alumni-and-giving/giving/make-a-gift

Perry County Food Bank, c/o First Baptist Church, 111 Brooklyn Ave, Linden, TN 37096

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.