The Franklin Town Council started its Nov. 3 meeting with a moment of silence in memory of former Council member Joyce Handley who passed away on Nov. 1 at age 84.
Handley served two terms on the town council, then known as the Board of Aldermen, from December 2007-December 2015. A black-ribboned wreath was placed on the dias in the board room in her memory.
“She was a really good council member for a number of years and made a lot of contributions,” said Mayor Jack Horton.
During her time on the council, Handley worked on the upkeep of Memorial Park, served on the streets board dealing with sidewalk planning, and served on the board of directors for the former Main Street program.
“I feel like I’m not a ‘yes’ person,” she said in a 2015 interview. “If it’s something that’s great for the town, I’m all for it, but if it’s something I think is way over the top, I don’t mind saying no. I want to benefit the town.”
When leaving the council, Handley said she would still be involved in the community if there was an opportunity. “I’m not a stay-at-homer; I liked to be involved where there’s people.”
Former mayor Bob Scott remembers Handley always smiling. “Joyce was one of a kind,” he said. “Everything and every vote she cast had to be for the common good. She lived it and was in touch with what was best for the town. She and Sissy Pattillo were a formidable pair when they served together on the council.”
Handley spent nearly 40 years working in the banking business and retired from First Citizens Bank in Franklin. She and her husband, William, were married for 57 years. They owned and operated the Courthouse Plaza Restaurant for many years.
You could often find her in the stands cheering for the Franklin Panthers, especially when her sons or grandson were playing.
Handley is survived by her husband, William; son and daughter-in-love, Billy and Heidi; and grandchildren, Leighanne and Ty. She was preceded in death by son Michael.
Visitation will be held Thursday, Nov. 6 beginning at 4 p.m. with the funeral service at 5:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, of which she was a member. A reception will follow at the church.