Joyce Ellen Richardson

Mrs. Joyce Ellen Richardson of Hohenwald passed away on Thursday at Maury Regional Hospital at the age of 73. She was born in Bangor, Maine to the late Major Albert Luis Hamel & Jacqueline Malita Kelly.

Her father served 35 years with the military, eventually retiring. Her brother also served in the Army for 20+ years, receiving 2 Purple Hearts during his tour of Vietnam for taking a bullet while going into enemy lines to save men from a burning tank.

Following in the footsteps of her father and brother, Mrs. Joyce served a tour with the Air Force as a medic during the Vietnam War. She was responsible for returning deceased veterans back to the United States and to their respective family members. Often times she would have to return remains or body parts only identifiable by their tattoos. After leaving the Air Force, she worked for Saturn/GM working in the Shipping and Receiving Department. She would eventually retire from GM.

After retirement she loved going to the beach and watching the dolphins. She thought dolphins were the greatest thing ever. She also enjoyed going to the casino. She would make monthly trips to Tunica (mainly for the free room and buffet). But more than anything she loved her kids, grandkids and great-grandchild.

Survivors include sons, Bruce Blanchette & Ray (Dawn) Blanchette of Hohenwald; daughter, Vicki (Doug) Blanchette of Hohenwald; three grandchildren, Christopher, Brandon & Jacqueline Blanchette; and one great-grandchild, William Blanchette; nephew, Joseph Hamel of Texas and Niece, Alicia Hart of Florida.

She was preceded in death by both parents, brother Bruce Hamel and nephew David Hamel.

Her wishes were to be cremated with her remains scattered at sea, and so the family will honor those wishes.