Joyce Chapman Butler

Joyce Chapman Butler, age 70, moved into the nearer presence of our Lord on Sunday, August 31, 2025, with her loving husband, Jimmy, and family by her side at the Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, TN after courageously battling a lifelong heart condition.

Joyce was very matter of fact about her physical problem and never complained and faced every day with courage and grace. Her family and friends are deeply saddened and shocked by her sudden death. Born February 16,1955 Joyce was born in Pontotoc, MS in the hospital next door to her family home. She lived in Oxford, New Albany, and Vicksburg, Mississippi, and moved to her beloved Rocky Top home in Elizabethton, TN in 2008. Joyce was a geologist for the Waterways Experiment Station and Environmental Specialist for the United States Army Corp of Engineers until her retirement after many years of service and lots of great stories. I, including one of her, having to climb to dizzying heights to inspect dams and locks for the Corp that she got through by reciting the Lord's Prayer along the way again demonstrating her bravery and faith. Joyce was a proud Episcopalian and a loving follower of Christ. She was an advocate for Karing Hearts and the American Heart associations. Joyce was a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts, and she lived her life by their code treating and accepting people for who they are being true to her spirit and never wavered. She was always an active participant at her church homes including St Alban's Episcopal Church in Bovina, MS. and St Thomas Episcopal Church where she served various roles of responsibility, always putting the Lord's work first. Joyce throughout her lifetime enjoyed many hobbies including arts and crafts, reading, and puzzles. Her loving spirit and quick wit will be missed.

Joyce's passing has left a void in the hearts of her husband of 30 years, Jimmy Butler and family members including Amber Butler, Sam Lyles, Neal Lyles, Lily Lyles, Rupert Chapman III. Helen Chapman, Rupert Chapman IV, Sandy Chapman, James Chapman and Bethany Chapman, Alec Chapman and many lifelong friends. She is preceded in death by her parents Rupert Chapman Jr. and Jean Chapman of New Albany, MS. Joyce will forever be cherished and remembered by all that knew her and her memory will live on...

Services will be held Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St Thomas Episcopal Church 815 E 2nd Street, Elizabethton, TN.37643, with food and fellowship to follow.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that a donation be made to the Girl Scouts in her honor.