CASHMERE, Myra Joan Age 57 of Lavergne, Tennessee, passed away unexpectedly, and suddenly, Wednesday, January 12, 2011. Preceded in death by parents, James and Eva Sanders. Survived by husband, Gary W. Cashmere, and sister, Sandra Kay Sanders. She was employed by the Tennessee Department of Children's Services, and was recognized in December for having 30 years of service. She was a strong advocate for families and agencies in her work with the department. She collected toys and clothes for needy children and baked cookies for them during the recent Christmas holidays. She loved animals, and often enjoyed time spent with her four cats. She and her sister enjoyed spending time together, and traveling often. In March, 2006, the quality of Joan's life was forever changed and years possibly added to her life, for the better, because she was a kidney recipient. She was also an organ and tissue donor. Friends and family are encouraged to honor her by visiting www.donatelifetenn.org, and signing to become a donor. Pallbearers are Jimmy Bell, Jordan Bell, Carter Overton, Mark Anderson, Jerry Hughett, and Fred Berry. Honorary Pallbearers are all employees of the Tennessee Department of Children's Services. In lieu of flowers, lasting memorials may be sent to Mrs. Barbara Juneau, Director, Good Shepherd Children's Home, 203 Woodcraft Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37133-0519 to benefit the lives of children there. Public visitation will be Monday from 12-2 p.m. in the chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens. Funeral will begin at 2 p.m. with Rev. Ken Castleberry, officiating. Interment at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.

Published in The Tennessean on January 16, 2011