KINGSPORT - Joyce (Gilliam) Fleming, 77, passed away Tuesday, August 15, 2023 after several years of declining health. With a quick wit and an infectious sense of humor, Joyce could light up any room she entered. She is now safe in the arms of her Savior, Jesus; her mind is at peace, and she is happy now. Joyce grew up in the community of Manville, VA and lived the majority of her life in Kingsport, TN.
She is preceded in death by her father and mother, James and Flara Gilliam.
Joyce is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Richard "Dan" Fleming; son, Tod Fleming and wife, Patricia; daughter, Dawn Bowen and husband, Chris. She is also survived by her three sisters, Alice Arnold, Sandra (Jack) Hammonds, and Doris (Jimmy) Hobbs, as well as numerous in-laws, special nieces and nephews from her and Dan's family. In addition, Joyce was survived by her 5 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren and her 16 great-grandchildren, whom she adored and she enjoyed keeping up with their lives and well-being; she wished to name each one... Grandchildren: Brandon (Karissa) Fleming, Jordan Fleming, Kathryn Fleming-Morales, Tori (Will) Humphreys, Nick (Kayla) Bowen; Step-grandchildren: Dustin (Amanda) Kilgore and Brittany (Matt) Morelock; Great-grandchildren: Millie & Ella Fleming, West, Eva & Harvin Humphreys, Braelyn, Beckham, Baylor & Boston Bowen, Ansley, Clayton & Tatum Kilgore, Berkley, Kinsley, Cooper & Paisley Morelock. Also left to cherish her memory is Joyce's special neighbor and close friend, Kay Childress-Bush.
Joyce's family would like to say a special Thank You to all her nurses, caregivers and staff at Preston Place Assisted Living Suites; you spoiled her and made the last months of her life very special.
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date to honor Joyce. Per Joyce's last wishes, her body was donated to use in life-saving medical procedures and research. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you may instead donate to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which was her favorite charity, www.stjude.org. Cards and condolences may be sent to Dan's home address.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Steven and Brenda Gilliam
August 27, 2023
Dan, Todd and Dawn,
We´re terribly sorry for you guys and all the other family members that will sorely miss her. Love you folks and will be praying for your comfort. Knowing we have a promise of seeing her again and her not suffering is a blessing.
Dorinda Taylor Bradshaw
August 21, 2023
My heart is breaking for Joyce's family and friends. Joyce and I met when we were in the seventh grade at Manville. We shared specisl phone conversations as adults. In celebration of a beautiful life, always , Dorinda Taylor Bradshaw
Kathy Burton
August 19, 2023
Dawn,
I am so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in your memories. God bless you and your family.
Tommy and Pat Harvel
August 19, 2023
Dan, so sorry to hear! Sunday school was always special when Joyce was there. Prayers for you Dawn, Tod, and your family!! Tommy and Pat
Charlotte Reed
August 19, 2023
So sorry Dawn. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Fred & Kathy Gilliam
August 18, 2023
Kindest regards and prayerful sympathies to Joyce's entire family at this time of very personal loss.
John Fleming
August 18, 2023
An aunt is someone to remember with warmth, think of with pride, and cherish with love. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Scot, John, Tandy, & Randy.
Kathy Goebel
August 18, 2023
So sorry
David Gilliam
August 17, 2023
I extend my deepest condolences and my love to Joyce's family. I have such fond memories of her smile and laughter when her young family visited her parents on Sundays. Although I have lost touch in recent years, I am glad to know that she was always surrounded by loving family, through which she will live on in loving memories.
Julie brumit
August 17, 2023
Prayers for dawn, family and friends. May God give you peace and comfort!
Love in Christ
Julie and RJ Brumit
Jim & Ber
August 17, 2023
So, so sorry to hear this, our prayers and deepest sympathy to Dan, Todd, Dawn and all of the family,
God bless
Jim & Bernice
Patty Melton Smith
August 17, 2023
I´m so sorry to hear this! I´m praying for your family, especially your daddy. Love all of you!!
Tammy Quillen
August 17, 2023
My thoughts and prayers are with her family. I knew Dan from Lowe´s and Todd from my niece Kathryn and had met Joyce a couple of times. She was a very nice lady. I´m very sorry for your loss
Allan Cotton Roberts
August 17, 2023
So sorry for your loss Dawn and family. Prayers for comfort and peace.
Gwenn Sanford
August 17, 2023
My deepest sympathy to Joyce´s family, friends and loved ones. I met Joyce in the 7th grade when I attended Manville Elem. Joyce was a special gal. God has gained a wonderful angel.
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