Joyce Sword Baker

Joyce Sword Baker, 96, of Kingsport, TN passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. Born and raised in Tom’s Creek, VA, she moved to Kingsport and graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School in 1949. Joy worked as the bookkeeper at Kingsport Laundry until it closed. While she was there, she met her husband, Cascal Baker. They married on June 8, 1985. Joy was always there for her family. She was an avid walker at the mall.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Myrtle Sword; husband, Cascal Baker; brothers, Lester Sword and Sidney Sword; sister, Peggy Cleary; and nephew-in-law, Toby Triplett; and great-nephew, Kevin Sanders.

Joy is survived by her stepson, Wayne Baker and wife Bonnie; grandchildren, Stephen Baker, Shanna Hensley, Morris Baker, Josh Bartley, and John Bartley; great-grandchildren, Gunner Hensley, Emma Baker, Mackenzie Baker, and Michala Baker Treadway; nieces, Dana Sanders and Mary Martha Triplett; nephews, Jon Cleary (Nancy) and Dennis Cleary (Cheryl); great-nephews, Jason Sanders (Billy Reilly), Trevis Cleary (Cameron) and their children, Paisley, Danika, and Kalette, Matthew Cleary, Colin Cleary, Myles Triplett (Kia), and Raffe Cleary (Charlotte); great-great-nieces, Addie Sanders, Ellisyn Sanders, Rylie Sanders and Remmy Sanders; and great-great-nephew, Jonah Cleary; and additional nieces and nephews in Massachusetts.

The family will receive friends from 12:30 –2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026, at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Wayne Baker officiating. A private family graveside will follow.