Crystal Joan Wyatt (everyone called her Joan) passed away at the age of 92 on March 18 in Cookeville. She was born on March 17, 1932, in White County, the daughter of the late William W. Sapp and Amy Randa (Templeton) Sapp. Born in Dog Cove, Joan was happy growing up near Sparta with her thirteen siblings. Joan married Joseph Paul Wyatt in 1950 and was a devoted homemaker. They got their start in Nashville, then moved to Ohio for job opportunities there. The family moved to Westland, Michigan as Paul’s position at Ford took him there. Joan and Paul moved back to Crossville, Tennessee to retire on their property which was their vacation home for many years. Joan enjoyed time with her husband and friends working and picnicking on their lake property. She was a lifetime member of the Church of Christ and enjoyed the support and friendship of her church family as a member of the Newton Church of Christ.

After the passing of her husband, Joan had fun with her best friends, Gearl and Betty Campbell, traveling and having picnics at her lake. Hobbies Joan enjoyed over the years included reading, quilting, feeding, and watching wild birds off her back deck, her cat, and growing beautiful Zinnias in her garden. She was an avid genealogist and many people would consult with her about her ancestors and how things were when she was young in Dog Cove, Lost Creek, Stringtown, and Newton.

She is survived by her daughter: Diane Wyatt Bedford (Don); and beloved grandson: Joseph Wyatt Bedford; daughter: Pamela Wyatt Dick (Greg); and sisters: Jean Warner, Joyce Brewer, and Lena Jo Tucker.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband: Joseph Paul Wyatt Sr.; son: Joe Wyatt Jr.; and siblings: Virgie, Verna, Willie, Leonard, Clarence, Lois, Manuel, Richard, Jewel, and Louise.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at 1 p.m. at the Newton Church of Christ Cemetery (67 Larson Road, Crossville) with words of comfort from Jeff Elrod.

Arrangements and care are provided by Bilbrey Funeral Home and Cremation Service. As we celebrate Joan’s life, let us remember her as a loving mother, devoted wife, cherished sister, hard worker, and steadfast friend whose spirit will continue to inspire those who knew her best.

Donations in her name may be made to the Newton Church of Christ, Newton Cemetery (send either with a note for Church or Cemetery to 67 Larson Road, Crossville, TN 38572), or the Stringtown Cemetery (c/o Roger Bryant 1364 Eastland Rd. Sparta, TN 38583).