Linda Joy Gregory, age 62 of Hendersonville, passed away on February 20, 2021.
She is survived by Steve, her husband of 39 years; two daughters, Emily Wicke (Andy) and Ellen Smithmier (Kenny); four grandchildren, Eden Wicke, Everett Wicke, Elm Wicke, and Hunt Smithmier; two sisters, Robbie Millsaps (Bryant) and June Lunn (Gary); seven nieces, Stacy Eubank, Kari Powell, Melissa Baker, Becky Chastain, Sarah Tarpley, Harper Lunn, and Hadley Lunn; two nephews, Jesse Lunn and Tanner Lunn; and her stepmother, Shirley Dorsey. She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Jo Dorsey.
Joy, the middle child of three daughters, was born in Aiken, South Carolina and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. She attended Nashville public schools and was a graduate of Stratford High School. She attended Middle Tennessee State University and Southeastern College in Springfield, MO. She married Steve and they made their home in Hendersonville, TN. She was an active member of the Community Church of Hendersonville. Joy operated an interior decorating business, but considered her most important role to be a mother and grandmother.
Even though her parents didn’t know at the time, they gave her a name that described her perfectly - “Joy”. She was the epitome of her name. She would light up a room with her presence and brought “joy” to those she encountered. Life, to her, was meant to be enJOYed. Joy was, above all else, a woman who loved and trusted the Lord. She led by example, gave without asking for anything in return, and loved without condition.
The family gratefully appreciates all the expressions of love and kindness that have been made throughout the last few months. No immediate funeral service is planned. The family will host a Celebration of Life in Joy’s memory at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tennessee Oncology or Alive Hospice online at:
https://tnoncology.com/patient-resources/support/
or
https://www.alivehospice.org/donatenow
You may offer condolences online at
www.austinandbell.com
Services have been entrusted to Austin & Bell Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Hendersonville. 615-822-4442.