Irene Joyce

On December 24, 2025, God called our mother home. Her work on earth was done.

Mama had a contagious personality full of fun and laughter, living life to the fullest. She never met a stranger. She was just "Miss Social." Mama was a strong, outspoken, courageous, and determined woman. If you asked her opinion, be prepared for her honest answer. You always knew where you stood with her!

She loved God, family and her country. Mama was a faithful member of Concord Baptist Church and Haywood Hills Baptist Church for over 75 years. She taught the ladies Sunday School Classes for 65+ years. She served as VBS Director, Church Clerk, Choir member, and volunteered for numerous activities including "The House of Hope; now called "The Rescue Mission." She was a member of the Women's Missionary Union. She was a people person and always had a smile!

She worked at Woolworths in Green Hills and then became a homemaker until 1973. Beginning in 1973, she worked at Metro Schools Board of Education for 38 years. She never missed a day's work. After retiring, she worked part time at Rains Bros. Cleaners in Tusculum, CVS Drugstore in Tusculum, and Opryland Theme Park.

She was extremely involved in the schools her children attended, being the PTA President at Haywood, Apollo, and Antioch. She chaperoned proms and many other school activities. She was "The Bookstore Lady" at Antioch for many years. Everybody knew Mrs. Joyce.

She was an Election Officer, a member of the Guys & Dolls Club at the Senior Center in Donelson where she was President and loved Ballroom Dancing. Mama was a lifetime member of Tennessee Congress of Parents and Teachers, Inc. since February 9, 1965. She was a member of the American Legion.

She was a member of the Good Neighbors Club and ran for councilwoman in her district. Mama enjoyed traveling, dancing, skating, sewing, knitting, volunteering, and delivering food baskets and singing carols at Christmas. She loved to sing and could sing any song. She took great pride in her beautiful rose bushes and her amazing snowball bush. She enjoyed watching the birds from her sunroom. She was the "Magic Chef" of her famous brownies and pecan pies. She would bake them for the Fire Hall, Bank Reunions and any other gathering and she baked them by special request. Everybody knew her "Signature Brownies" would be there. She was a remarkably busy lady.

And of course! We all know she Loved RED! She could be seen in her Red VW Bug with those red nails and red lipstick. That was her statement!!!

Our earliest memories are of your love and care. You taught us that God loves us. You taught us our first prayer. You made our home a happy and loving place where we could sense the presence of blessings from above.

Mama, thank you for being the truest example of the word "Mama." You gave us all you had and made sure we got it. One of the greatest of all your gifts was bringing us up in church and the example you set. We Love you.

We want to thank you for remembering and celebrating our mama's incredible Life. She loved life and lived it to the fullest each and every day.

Preceded in death by her parents, nine siblings, husband Frank Joyce Sr; and grandson, Jared Joyce. Survived by her children, Frank (Rebecca) Joyce Jr, Peggy (Mark) Stephens, Susan (Jeff) Allen and Kenneth Joyce; grandchildren, Dustan (Brook) Barnes, Clint Stephens, Jason (Jennifer) Joyce and Jonathan (Courtney) Joyce; great-grandchildren, Kane Barnes, Deklan Barnes, Kass Barnes, Keegan Barnes and Delilah Barnes, Willow Stephens, Sparrow Stephens and Stone Stephens and Rowan Joyce.

Funeral services will be conducted by Rev. Bruce Maxwell and Wendell Byrd on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Woodbine Funeral Home, Hickory Chapel, 5852 Nolensville Road. Interment Triune Cemetery. Active Pallbearers will be Kenneth Joyce (Jared Joyce), Clint Stephens, Jason Joyce, Jonathan Joyce, Mark Stephens, Richard Hilyer, Charles Talbot and Otto Adkerson.

Visitation will be on Saturday, December 27, 2025, from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. and on Sunday, December 28, 2025, from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. at Woodbine Funeral Home, Hickory Chapel, 615-331-1952.

"Irene's favorite color was Red. If you would like, please wear your favorite Red."