Joyce Renfro Patton

With a heart full of grace and a spirit that touched all who knew her, Joyce Renfro Patton passed away peacefully on September 5, 2025, at the age of 100, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Nashville, Tennessee, to the late Raymond Davis Renfro and Maude Smith Renfro, Joyce’s life was shaped by deep family ties and enduring faith. After graduating from East Nashville High School in 1943, she attended Draughons Business College and rose to serve her country as a stenographer at Berry Field for the US Air Corps Air Transport Command during World War II. At the war’s end, she continued her career at the State of Tennessee Employment Security office as a bookkeeper, before dedicating four decades as secretary and office manager for Dr. H. C. Caudle at Caudle Veterinary Clinic. After her career ended, she spent another twelve years volunteering at Second Harvest Food Bank.

On October 26, 1945, Joyce married James Thomas Patton in Norfolk, Virginia at Epworth Methodist Church—a union that flourished for 78 beautiful years. In attendance were their life-long friends and Nashville residents Laura and Alfred Hollins and Mary and Clyde Vantrease. Together, James and Joyce raised three sons: James T. Patton, Jr., David Mark Patton, and Philip Ray Patton. She is preceded in death by her parents, sister, Francis Renfro Free and husband Robert Free, and two sons, James T. Patton (at the age of 14) and Philip Patton (at the age of 50) along with Philip’s wife, Susan D. Patton (at the age of 73). Though she endured profound losses, Joyce’s resilience and love carried her family forward.

Joyce was faithful member at First Baptist Church in Hendersonville, where she fostered lifelong friendships in the Fellowship Connect Group. Her warmth radiated across generations—cherished by her son David Mark Patton and his wife Heather, Philip and his wife Susan, five grandchildren (Katherine Patton Castello, Benjamin Thomas Patton, Elisabeth Patton Guthrie, and Julia Patton Humphrey, Hannah Patton Mahon), seven great-grandsons, one great-granddaughter, and nieces Shirley Free Haworth and Cindy Free Million. She was incredibly close to cousins Alice Ruth Stephens, Betsy R. West and Grady Renfro throughout her entire life.

She enjoyed taking her five grandchildren camping each summer in her and James’s travel trailer, baking for family and friends, and writing witty cards to those she loved. Remembered for her easy laugh, comforting embrace, and unwavering kindness, Joyce made everyone feel valued. Her legacy is one of joy, devotion, and steadfast relationships—a beacon that will continue to bless her family and all who had the privilege to know her.

Joyce’s life was a testament to love, faith, and compassion. As she is welcomed home, her memory will remain a source of inspiration for generations yet to come.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 from 6-8 pm at Hendersonville Funeral Home (353 E. Main St., Hendersonville, TN 37075). Visitation will also be held from 11 am until 1 pm on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at Hendersonville First Baptist (106 Bluegrass Commons, Hendersonville, TN 37075). The service for Ms. Joyce will begin at 1:00 pm at the same location. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park at 3 pm.

In lieu of flowers, Joyce would love for you to make a donation to “Feed Sumner Food-bank” or “FBC Back-Pack Ministry”. Both are ministries of First Baptist Church, 106 Bluegrass Commons, Hendersonville, TN 37075.