Joyce Barr Ludwick, 67, of Martinsburg passed away peacefully Saturday, January 13, 2018, at Hospice Inpatient Facility in Kearneysville, WV.
Born May 26, 1950 at home in Hardy County, WV, she was the daughter of the late Ruby and Dorothy Walters Barr. Joyce was a 1968 graduate of Moorefield High School where she was valedictorian of her class. She received a Bachelor of Arts and Masters degrees from West Virginia University, and subsequently taught language arts at Hedgesville High School for 38 years.
She is survived by one son, Adam B. Ludwick and wife Julia; three grandchildren Reese, Ryan, and Thaddeus. Also surviving are siblings, Allen H. Barr and wife, Nancy, of Martinsburg, WVA; Gary E. Barr and wife, Barbara, of Berryville, VA; Kenneth R. Barr and wife, Trina, of Hagerstown, MD; Susan Barr Crisler and husband, Terry Crisler, of Berryville, VA; and Eric F. Barr of Front Royal, VA. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her son, Ryan A. Ludwick, and her granddaughter, Jordan E. Ludwick.
Joyce had a long and successful teaching career at Hedgesville High School from 1974- 2012. Quoting Robert Frost, she said, “I am not a teacher but an awakener.” This, along with her love of literature and learning, was to become her lifelong career. She taught all levels of high school English and was Department Chairperson from 1980 – 2012. A beloved educator, she was also active in education associations and was a mentor teacher. Included among her many accomplishments and awards were being awarded Berkeley County Language Arts Teacher of The Year in 1990 and 1993, the Berkeley County “ACE” Award, and was a finalist for Berkeley County Teacher of the Year in 2002.
One of her greatest qualities as a teacher was her willingness to share, both with students and other teachers. Setting high expectations for all her students in all levels, she promoted positive self-esteem and instilled in students a confidence in their own abilities, and always encouraged a positive classroom environment. Always compassionate, she respected and exhibited kindness to her students.
Her greatest commitment to the community evolved through her commitment to her church, where she was a longtime member of Tuscarora Presbyterian Church. She was responsible for writing and producing the monthly newsletter for the church and developed a church brochure, church directory and church stationery. She chaired the Pulpit Nominating Committee, which included a fourteen-month search for a minister. She also served as Clerk of the Session.
Family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 17, 2018, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home.
Funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 18, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Tuscarora Presbyterian Church. Pallbearers are Christopher Barr, Michael Barr, Jason Barr, Bradley Barr, Zachary Crisler, and Reese Ludwick.
Internment will be held in Tuscarora Presbyterian Church Cemetery.
The family request in lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Brown Funeral Home P. O. Box 821, Martinsburg, WV 25402 c/o Joyce.

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