Joy A. Robbins

Joy A. Robbins, age 62, of New Castle, passed away Saturday, January 23, 2010 at Glen Oaks Health Campus following an extended illness. She was born in Hamilton, Ohio May 7, 1947, a daughter of the late Walter and Roberta (Pinkerton) McMechan.

She attended Short High School in Liberty, Indiana then earned her bachelor's degree in home economics from Ball State University in 1969. She obtained a master's degree in public relations and home economics from Ball State University in 1972.

She was awarded the distinguished 'Benny' Award from the Ball State University Alumni Association and the Award of Distinction by the Alumni Society of Family and Consumer Sciences at BSU in 2005; "Realizing the Dream" award from the Independent Colleges in Indiana in 1993; and was elected to Indiana High School Forensic Association Hall of Fame in 1994. Joy cherished the Renaissance "Teacher of the Year" award she received from New Castle Chrysler High School. She taught a total of 36 years beginning at Eastbrook High School near Upland, continuing at Parkview Jr. High School, where she was department chair, and retiring from New Castle Chrysler High School Family and Consumer Sciences Department in 2005, where she served as department chairperson. Joy also taught Area Vocational School night classes and worked in the "Just Us" program, a court-based program for young women. She was co-owner of Image Improvement, Inc., established in 1987, helping people with public speaking and interviewing skills. She and her husband, Jim, helped women compete in pageants. Five earned Miss America, including the present Miss America, Katie Stam. She and Jim enjoyed each other, family, friends, Broadway Shows, fine dining, 60's music, cats and "living each day to the fullest". They were active in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Association Race for the Cure. She helped establish the state FACS association, presiding at one time as president. She was a Certified Home Economist, an appointment given by the American Home Economics Association. Joy and Jim co-coached high school speech and debate teams for 25 years at Blackford, Parkview Junior High and New Castle Chrysler High School, sending 37 students to national competition.

Survivors include her husband of 40 years, James A. Robbins of New Castle; a brother, James McMechan (wife, Charla) of Liberty, Indiana; nephew, James Michael McMechan of Indianapolis; niece, Joni McMechan Checchia (husband, Dr. Paul) of University City, Missouri; great-niece, Stephanie McMechan and great-nephew, Andrew Checchia, Eric McMechan both of Indianapolis; a godson, Wes Dicken (wife, Caylie), of Cambridge City, Indiana and their daughter Norah Jo; several cousins and her beloved cat, JuJuB.

Services will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Reverend Art Whitaker officiating. Burial will follow in College Corner Cemetery in College Corner, Ohio. Friends may call from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 3 - 8 p.m. Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be given to the James A. and Joy A. Robbins Scholarship Fund through the Henry County Community Foundation or the Susan G. Komen Cancer Society with envelopes available at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.hinsey-brown.com .