Joyce Evelyn Grubb

The angels peacefully took Joyce Evelyn Grubb while at home in Clayton, GA on February 1, 2024. Joyce spent her final moments with her beloved son, Ed Grubb, at her side listening to music and reading to her. Following Joyce’s wishes, her burial will take place at the Sherwood Memorial Gardens in Alcoa, TN, where her parents are also buried.

Joyce was born January 14, 1952 in Alcoa, TN and blessed with two parents; John Clark Frye & Violet Lee Moore Frye, who she absolutely loved and respected, she described her mother as being very graceful and ladylike and her dad as a lovingly protective father.

Joyce graduated from Alcoa High School before attending the University of Tennessee to acquire her Bachelor’s Degree, with her best friend and life-long “sister” Gail (Johnston) Minyon Yunker. Joyce moved to Bradenton, FL in the late 1970s where she lived for over 40 years. During this time, she owned and operated an advertising printing business, but decided to close it and take on the role of a stay at home mother when she had her son Ed. In her later years, before retirement, she would take on a leadership role as the President and Executive Director of the Manatee River Pram Fleet (youth sailing program).

One of her greatest achievements was helping the Pram Fleet reestablished it’s 5013c status, secure major funding from the Bishop Foundation and others, and leading the organization through a period of renewed growth, ultimately leading to the acquisition of new prams and a new pram fleet house. She loved spending her time on the water with friends and family at the Bradenton Yacht Club and seeing the joy that the pram fleet brought to young lives, including that of her own son Ed.

Joyce was civic-minded and volunteered for many organizations including for the Ringling Art and Circus History Museum in Sarasota, Florida and a local senior center in Georgia. She was an avid reader and had interests in genealogy research, boating, sailing, and water skiing.

Joyce is survived by her only son, Louis Edward “Eddie” Grubb II and his wife, Vanessa Grubb, with grandchildren Catherine, Liam, and Anthony. In addition to her direct family she was also a bonus mother to the prior children from her marriage to Will Grubb which included Tom Grubb and his wife, Paula Grubb, and their son Patrick; Ginia Jankovsky and her husband, Jason; and Jodie Grubb.

Joyce was a loving, patient, and caring mother & grandmother who loved her family more than anything else. Her grandchildren who referred to her as Grandma GiGi were the light of her life. She lived with a flair for adventure and fun in life and a strong moral belief in right and wrong as a Christian who loved Jesus. She was a great listener and conversationalist. Joyce created a Christmas tradition in the family of gifting and wearing pajama flannels and drinking morning Mimosas with Gin and Tonic while celebrating with family and friends. She forever imprinted great memories in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, family, and friends and will be fondly remembered for her wonderful qualities and traits.

Family and friends will gather for a graveside service at Sherwood Memorial Gardens, 3176 Airport Highway, Alcoa, TN 37701, on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 1:00pm. Online condolences and fond memories may be shared with the family at www.sherwoodchapel.com.

Sherwood Chapel & Memorial Gardens

3176 Airport Highway

Alcoa, TN 37701

865-970-2955