Joyce Eleanor Bess Sniffin, 95, of Deerpoint Lake, passed from this life peacefully on January 7, 2010 at her daughter Millicent's home, where she lived and was lovingly cared for over the past 5 years. Joyce has now gone home to her Lord and Savior. She was born October 20, 1914 to Dorus Hillary Bess and Essie Lola Childers Bess in Vale, North Carolina. Joyce was Episcopalian by faith, loved God, family and friends, loved the mountains of North Carolina, loved education and treasured her beloved pets. Joyce Sniffin graduated in 1938 from Lenoir Rhyne College in Hickory, N.C. She became a proud educator in Bay County Florida, teaching at Springfield Elementary and Oakland Terrace Elementary Schools. She was passionate about her students, wanting every child to feel special, to have the desire to learn and excel and to expand their knowledge by reading. She was predeceased by her beloved and loving husband, Millard Theodore Sniffin; her parents, five sisters, Estelle Peeler, Matilda Baxter, Dorothy Warner, Jewell Blanton , Ava Bess and twin brothers, Hal Bess, Hall Bess, son-in-law, Marshall Lawrence Hansen, and parents-in-law, Alvin & Grace Sniffin. Joyce leaves to lament her homecoming two daughters, Millicent Grace Sniffin, Joyce Lola Hansen, both of Panama City; three grandchildren, Donald Theodore Sniffin "her Don Don", Jennifer Joyce Hansen "her namesake", Marshall Lawrence Hansen II "her Larry" all of Panama City; two great grandchildren, Logan Lawrence Hansen of Panama City, Aaron Trent Hansen of Baytown, TX and two younger sisters, Nelle Bess Hair of Fayetteville, N.C., Knox Bess Cobb of Asheville, NC and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. All of her family gave Joyce wonderful memories, which she dearly cherished. A memorial service will be held on Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 1 – 2 p.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the St. Andrew Episcopal Church, 1607 Baker Court, Panama City, FL 32401 or to the Arthiritis Foundation, 8383 North Davis Hwy, Pensacola, FL 32514 in memory of Joyce Sniffin. The family wishes to extend its gratitude and love to Felicia Coleman, CNA, caregiver and friend, and to Dr. Azzam Adhal, Kathy and staff for their compassion and excellent care given to our precious mother. Everyday has truly been a blessing.

Wilson Funeral Home