Joyce Marie Gunter

Joyce Marie Gunter, 80, of Sparta, passed Dec. 9, 2023, in Sparta.

She was born Dec. 12, 1942, in Crossville, the daughter of John Gist and Edna Simpson Gist.

Joyce worked as a secretary for Tennessee Department of Correction and was of the Baptist faith.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Fred Gist, Verdon Gist, and baby boy Gist, and sisters, Agnes Ayers, Maude Wells, and Betty Sage.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, J.C. Gunter; son, Michael Gunter; granddaughters, Brandi Jolley (Joshua), Amanda Gunter, Rebecca Gunter; great-granddaughters, Jesalyn Tollett, Jaidyn Tollett, Josie Jolley; and brother, Raymond Gist (Lela).

Joyce loved the Lord and her family fiercely. She was a genuine, kind, loving, Godly woman. She accepted everyone and never met a stranger. Her favorite thing in the world to do was to spend time with her family, especially on their birthdays.

She was so extremely proud of her son, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters. They were the lights of her life, and she always put their needs and well-being before her own. She was a prayer warrior, and some would call her a saint. She gave the biggest hugs, and her smile would light up an entire room. That is what her family will miss the most.A Celebration of Life service was 2 p.m., Dec. 15, 2023, at Bilbrey Funeral Home, in Crossville, with burial in Green Acres Memory Gardens.Bilbrey Funeral Home, in Crossville, was in charge of arrangements.