Joyce Harper Mearns

Joyce Harper Mearns, of Pass Christian, passed away January 26, 2012, after a short illness.
Mrs. Mearns was born in Memphis, TN, to Elisabeth Joyce Harper and Pickens Miller Harper.
She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Neil Alan Mearns; her son, Stephen Mearns (Susan) of Pass Christian; and daughter, Pamela Lewis (Tim) of San Antonio, Texas; three grandchildren, Elizabeth, Virginia, John; and one great-grandson, Julian.
Joyce graduated from High School in Memphis and attended Sophie Newcomb College of Tulane University in New Orleans. She graduated in three years with a degree in Spanish and flew as a stewardess with Chicago and Southern Air Lines on their South American routes.
In April 1952, Joyce married Neil A. Mearns. They lived in Brazil until 1958, and then in Mexico until 1967. After another tour of duty of five years in Brazil, the family returned to the Company headquarters in Memphis, TN in 1972. By then, Joyce was fluent in both Spanish and Portuguese.
In 1989, she and her husband, intent on retiring, moved to Pass Christian.
An avid bridge player, Joyce also enjoyed travel and, specifically, exploring the coral reefs of Grand Cayman.
A word of thanks goes to Dr. Edwin Davidson and his nursing staff at Memorial Hospital for their exceptional medical care.
Services will be held on Monday, January 30, 2012, at Trinity Episcopal Church, Pass Christian at 11.00 am. Friends are invited to visit one hour prior to services. Burial will follow at Live Oak Cemetery.
RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Pass Christian, is in charge of arrangements, and tributes may be shared at www.riemannfamily.com.