Mrs. Claudia "Joyce" Hancock Walters

Claudia “Joyce” Hancock Walters, 86, passed away Thursday, April 2, 2020 in Chattanooga, TN. Born in Upson County, Joyce grew up surrounded by peach orchards and packing houses. Many of the childhood stories she shared with family over the years and her novel “Thomaston Queen” were inspired by experiences on the Hancock farm. Joyce graduated from Robert E. Lee High school and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from the University of Georgia in addition to a teaching certificate from the University of California Davis. Joyce was a teacher and librarian for many years, which gave her the opportunity to share her passion for learning and language with students of all ages. In her retirement, Joyce became a prolific writer and accomplished storyteller. The Thomaston Times published “Potpourri,” a weekly column she wrote highlighting her present and past life experiences. Joyce also contributed to the Upson Citizen and the Upson Beacon. She published a collection of short stories titled “Red Bird in the Snow” in 2008 and the novel “Thomaston Queen” in 2011. She was an active member of the Chattanooga Writers’ Guild for many years and was recognized with the organization’s Eudora Welty Award in 2006. Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, Claude Hancock and Estelle Abernathy Hancock, and brother Marshall Larry Hancock (Mary Louise). She is survived by her children Jody Sauls (Tim), John Walters (Tammy), Jeff Walters (Terri) and Julia Smith; grandchildren Zac Sauls (Callen), Rachel Wright (Hal), Rebekah Sauls, Tyler Thomas, Jessica Eldridge (Matt), Sarah Grace Walters and Katie King(Jordan); and great grandchildren Amelia Sauls, Ellie Kate Sauls and Lola King; niece Lynn Hancock Harris (Bobby) and nephew Marshall Larry Hancock. Joyce will be laid to rest in the Friendship Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery near Thomaston, Georgia in the Abernathy family plot. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 emergency, a graveside marker service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson 423-531-3975, and local arrangements are being coordinated by Fletcher-Day Funeral Home in Thomaston, GA.