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We are saddened to share the passing of Joyce Barnett, a beloved member of the Boys’ Latin community for more than 40 years. Joyce touched the lives of generations of students, families, and colleagues with her wisdom, kindness, and unwavering dedication. Below is a letter from Headmaster Chris Post to the community.
Dear Boys’ Latin Alumni, Families and Friends,
I am sorry to share the news that Joyce Barnett, our longtime colleague and friend, has passed away. She was 86 years old.
For nearly four decades, Joyce served as the administrative assistant in the lower school. She was an iconic presence in Ehrhardt Hall, often the first to greet a new student and make him feel welcome. She was unflappable, and she delighted in the happy noise and chaotic energy of the lower school. Her steady demeanor soothed and reassured generations of young men and parents on their way in and out of the office.
As well, she was a wise counselor to countless colleagues. She was a confidante and trusted friend to so many over the years. Joyce provided wisdom and perspective, and a tender but firm way of helping us see the grace and possibility in each situation. One colleague remarked that Joyce was very much the head of the family in the lower school. It’s no surprise, then, that so many referred to her as ‘Momma’ over the years.
Since 2022, Joyce has served as our senior writer and editor. She previously had worked in publishing, so she enjoyed lending her expertise meaningfully to the School. Over the last couple of years, she worked with many of us on various communications and different projects…and ensured that my letters didn’t have ill-placed commas or misspellings. Candidly, I am at a bit of a loss as I write to you, knowing that my failsafe and most trusted editor won’t give this one last review.
What a great gift it was to welcome Joyce back to campus to celebrate her 40th year of service to Boys’ Latin at Closing Convocation just two weeks ago. Words cannot fully express how much Boys’ Latin meant to Joyce—and how much she meant to our School and community.
The family is finalizing arrangements, and I’ll be sure to share that with you. For now, please keep Joyce, her son Jason ’91, and their entire family in your thoughts and prayers.
May her memory forever be a blessing.
Sincerely yours,
Christopher J. Post