Joyce Gaylor

Joyce Freels Gaylor, 78, of Oak Ridge, TN, passed away on May 12, 2025. She was born on January 8, 1947 in Oak Ridge, TN to the late Berl and Lucille (Brandt) Freels. She worked as an Insurance Specialist in the medical field for over 30 years.

Joyce attended and taught Sunday school at Faith Lutheran Church in Oak Ridge. She enjoyed gardening, birds, all Oak Ridge high school and University of Tennessee sports. Grammy loved cheering on Carson and Grey at Oak Ridge high school track meets and football games. She also loved attending her nieces and nephews activities. She loved pets and animals. She was a wonderful cook and host to her family and friends. She cherished her family gatherings with her large family of sisters, nieces and nephews. Joyce was a sweet soul always willing to help loved ones in any way needed.

She is survived by her daughter, Stephanie (husband, Kurt) Hope and son, Brandt (wife, Rachel) Gaylor; grandchildren, Carson and Greyson Hope, Dr. Ty Gaylor, Erika Russell, Hunter, Hudson and Hayes; sisters, Judy (husband, Danny) Sutton, Julia (husband, Donnie) Phillips, Janet (husband, Larry) West, Jennifer LeComte, Joan Phillips and Doug (wife, Cathy) Freels

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Berl and Lucille Freels and a dear sister, June Ellen Cox.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 7:00 pm at Faith Lutheran Church in Oak Ridge with visitation from 6:30 to 7:00 pm.

The family requests that any memorial contributions be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 1300 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 or to the Oak Ridge Animal Shelter, 395 Belgrade Rd, Oak Ridge, TN 37830.