About This Memory Space
This page was created for Joy Sharon Sullender's family and friends as a place to remember them, to share stories, and to keep their memory close in everyday life.
It is cared for and added to over time by the people who knew them, and everyone is invited to contribute, whether that is a story, a photo, a few words, or a simple note.
Many families visit places like this not just once, but again and again, especially on quiet days or meaningful anniversaries. This page is here for those moments, wherever you are.
A place to return to when you want to feel close again, to remember a moment, or to leave a few words for others to read. Over time, it grows through the voices of everyone who knew and loved them.
Light a Candle Growing
Light a candle to honor Joy Sharon Sullender's memory. Each lighting keeps their memory burning bright for 23 hours.
Candle lit burns 23 hours. Come back and light it again after 23 hours to keep the memory burning.
Limited to 5 lightings per hour to prevent abuse.
Memory Wall Growing
Stories, photos, and memories shared by people who knew Joy Sharon Sullender. This is the heart of this space—a collection that grows as more people contribute.
No memories posted yet. Be the first to share a story or memory.
Life & Legacy
Joy Sharon Sullender devoted her life to nurturing young minds and fostering educational excellence, leaving an indelible mark on generations of students through her unwavering commitment and innovative teaching.
Born in the small town of Spencer, Indiana, Joy grew up as the fifth child in her family, facing early hardships with the loss of her parents and finding a new beginning through adoption by Hollice Barkman at age nine. Her path led her to Indiana University, where she earned both a bachelor's and a master's degree in education, fueling a career that spanned over four decades. Relocating to Indianapolis in 1962, she immersed herself in a community that would benefit from her talents for years to come, all while embracing roles in professional organizations dedicated to advancing teaching standards.
Joy's teaching journey started in 1952 at Monroe School for three years, followed by six years in Pekin, Indiana. At George W. Julian School #57 in Indianapolis, she instructed grades one through five for an impressive 38 years, earning recognition as the IPS 1989-90 Teacher of the Year for her student-focused methods and engaging classroom strategies. She actively participated in various educational committees and was a proud member of Delta Kappa Gamma, championing professional development and superior education practices.
Photos of Joy's Life
Family & Loved Ones
Joy's connections with family, though shaped by profound losses, centered on enduring ties with her nephews and their families—Scott (Cari) Medaris, Hugh (Kay) Hattabaugh, John J. (Lisa) Parrish, and Ron D. (Tawnee) Parrish—who stood as her closest surviving kin. She was warmly supported in her later years by devoted caregivers Glenda Browning and Bill Robertson, whose daily compassion mirrored the thoughtful care Joy herself extended throughout her life. Preceded by her husband Charles Sullender and siblings Hope V. Hattabaugh, Frederick M. Medaris, Enoch H. Medaris ("Hugh"), and Jay Lowell Parrish, she cherished these relationships with quiet strength and appreciation.
Remembered by Friends & Family
Reflections from Joy's circle underscore her profound influence as an educator whose kindness and wisdom resonated deeply, with many recalling her ability to inspire and uplift in both classrooms and personal encounters.
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