Dr. Jocelyn Lorraine Irby

Jocelyn Lorraine Adkins Irby grew up in Fort Valley, Georgia, where she graduated from H.A. Hunt High School. She was an only child born to the union of Joseph and Lillian Adkins.

Jocelyn pursued higher education after high school she studied at Bennett College, she received her Masters in Guidance at Fort Valley State University, her Masters in English at Tennessee State University, followed by her Ph. D in English at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
After teaching in Nashville, Tennessee at Fisk University, Nashville State Technical Institute, and University of Phoenix, Jocelyn began her long career as an English Professor for 25 years at Tennessee State University (TSU). For over a few decades she served in a variety of teaching and educational roles, where she had a positive influence on thousands of students and colleagues. She traveled across the world, making four trips to Africa, one with TSU, and the others with the St. Georges church ministry.
Jocelyn professed a hope in Christ at an early age, and was a faithfully member of St. Georges Episcopal Church.
Jocelyn was an intelligent and compassionate woman. She was also a women with many talents and hobbies, including being an avid reader, a great writer, a member of two book clubs, one art club, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
Among her many accomplishments, none were more important to Jocelyn than her two sons who survived her: Malcolm and Anthony Irby, her grandson Donovan Irby, and a host of other relatives and dear friends. Jocelyn passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 21, 2021. She was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Lillian Adkins.

Viewing Tuesday, August 31, 2021, 12-6 at funeral home. Visitation Wednesday 11:30-12:30 with funeral to follow at St. Georges Episcopalian Church, Harding Road Bellemeade Burial in Ft. Valley, Ga.