Doy Barron Tells Her Secrets for Joy at Age 90

by Kelly Norrell

As First Presbyterian's Doy Knight Barron nears her 90th birthday on July 27, she has two words to share. "Attitude and gratitude are the big words in my life," she said. "I've lived a wonderful life with people who care about me. I have so much to be thankful for -- the outpouring of love, my family, my health.”

Doy's can-do attitude has shaped many lives. As a bank teller in Memphis after high school, she won the love of a decorated World War II Army sergeant and dental student named John Mallett Barron. They married in 1952, right after his dental school graduation. The young oral surgeon and his wife raised their family in Memphis -- children Melissa (Roberson), John Barron Jr., (now deceased) and Melanie (Weaver). Doy was elected president of both the Memphis Dental Auxiliary and the Dental Auxiliary of Tennessee. She led efforts to raise money and fund dental clinics around the state. "Back then, people often assumed they weren't going to keep their teeth,” said daughter Melissa Roberson.

After John died in 1997, Doy moved to Knoxville to be near to Melissa and her family. As she neared 70, Doy again set out to make a difference -- in the arts, at the East Tennessee Historical Society, and at First Presbyterian Church. Her welcoming manner and servant’s heart quickly won people over. She has served as deacon, elder, and Moderator of Presbyterian Women, where she has won the honorary Life Membership Award.

“Doy helps people discover how our faith guides us to make a difference in our community, our country and the world,” said Colleen Shannon. Added Melissa: “She is an inspiration to all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.”

Doy Barron at her home in Knoxville. Doy celebrates her 90th birthday on July 27th.

Doy’s husband, the late US Army Sgt. John Mallett Barron, won a Purple Heart for valor fighting in Europe in World War II. He later became an oral surgeon and practiced in Memphis until his death in 1997.