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Joyce Knowles Badger

Mrs. Joyce Knowles Badger, 82, of Lebanon, passed away quietly, surrounded by family, Saturday night at the Pavilion Senior Living Center, after a short illness.

She was born August 24, 1936, in Warren County to Robbie (Davis) and Elbert Knowles, and graduated in 1954 from Central High School in McMinnville.

Joyce earned a bachelor’s degree in English and education from Tennessee Tech, and two master’s degrees in education before beginning her career at Lebanon Special School District. She taught second grade at McClain School before becoming supervisor of instruction until her retirement.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Reva Pedigo, of McMinnville, and a brother, Ralph Vanderpool, of Pulaski.

Joyce is survived by her husband of 43 years, Dr. Robert H. Badger, D.D.S., of Lebanon; her identical twin sister, Loyce (Charlie) Bradshaw, of Lebanon; step-children Betty (Al) Zettegren of Hendersonville, Woody Badger of Hartsville, and Bill (Belinda) Badger of Hartsville; 6 step grandchildren: Zach (Becky) Zettergren, Rob Badger, Liz (John) Allers, Clay Badger, Wyatt Badger, and Taylor (Brooke) Badger; 7 step great grandchildren; nephews and nieces Richard (Alene) Pedigo of McMinnville, Bobby Vanderpool of Pulaski, Aimee (Jim) Maytag of Colorado Springs, Colo., Leann (Andy) McGinnis of Anchorage, Alaska, Sammye (Vince) Pokryfki of Wasilla, Alaska, and Jay Croft of Atlanta.

A visitation will take place at Ligon & Bobo Funeral Home in Lebanon on Wednesday, February 20, 2019, from 4 to 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Lebanon-Wilson County Library.

LIGON & BOBO FUNERAL HOME of Lebanon (615)444-2142   www.ligonbobo.com

Messages for the Family

  1. W C Chilton says:
    Very Sorrow I was in her class in McMINNVILLE
  2. Dan & Edith (Billings) Foutch says:
    We are very sorry for your loss. We were classmates at Central High in McMinnville. We pray God will comfort your hearts.
  3. Hollie Myers says:
    So sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful and gracious lady. She will be missed.
  4. walter hill carlen says:
    hope you get this
  5. Cindy flippin says:
    I lived with Joyce early in my teaching career. She started dating Dr. Bob then. I loved her beautiful smile and the twinkle in her eye. Loved her like a sister. So glad I visited with her last week!!! She will definitely be missed!!!
  6. Ken Barry says:
    Joyce was my 2nd grade teacher at McClain School and a great influence especially in encouraging my interest in science. I remember her classroom being a happy place. She even let me sing to the class (that must have been quite an experience for everyone listening)! Always a delightful person when I would see her in later years. My condolences to her family. God bless.