Joyce Marie Gunter

Joyce Marie Gunter, age 80, of Sparta, Tennessee, passed away on December 9, 2023, in Sparta. Mrs. Gunter was born on December 12, 1942, in Crossville, Tennessee, daughter of the late John Gist and Edna (Simpson) Gist. Joyce worked as a Secretary for the TN Department of Corrections and was of the Baptist faith. 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; brother, Raymond Gist (Lela). In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brothers, Fred Gist, Verdon Gist, and baby boy Gist; sisters, Agnes Ayers, Maude Wells, and Betty Sage. 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. Celebration of Life Service will be held at Bilbrey Funeral Home on Friday, December 15, 2023, at 2:00 PM followed by burial at Green Acres Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM prior to the service.