Joyce Gafford

Joyce Nadine Gafford, 84, of Cumberland Furnace, TN passed away peacefully on June 9, 2025, surrounded by the family she cherished so deeply.

Born on June 5, 1941, Joyce lived a life centered around faith, family, and service to others. She loved the Lord with all her heart and was a steadfast example of kindness, generosity, and grace. To all who knew her, she was simply “Granny”—a name that came to embody warmth, care, and unconditional love.

Joyce adored her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She found her greatest joy in caring for them, her beloved husband, and anyone lucky enough to be welcomed into her home. Her kitchen was a place of comfort and celebration—famous for her homemade cinnamon rolls, golden fried chicken, and her legendary strawberry cake. She had a gift for feeding both the body and the soul and never let anyone leave her table hungry.

An avid home canner, Joyce would preserve just about anything, believing that nothing should go to waste and everything could be shared. She was happiest when her pantry was full and her loved ones were fed.

Joyce had a long and rewarding career at American General Insurance, where she served faithfully for many years as an executive assistant. Later in her career, she stepped into a unique and important role helping to test early insurance software programs. Joyce had a sharp eye for detail and worked closely with the IT department to catch errors and bugs before programs were released to agents. Her diligence and commitment made her a trusted and valued part of the team.

Her legacy of love, faith, and quiet strength will live on through all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

Visitation: will begin on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 from 4 – 8 PM, and will continue on Thursday, June 12, 2025 from 11:00 AM – until time of service.

Funeral Service: will begin at 1:00 PM on Thursday, June 12, 2025 from the Chapel of Spann Funeral Home with Leo Hagewood officiating.

Interment: will follow at Cumberland Furnace Cemetery

Survived by:

Children:

   Katrina Gafford of Cumberland Furnace, TN

   Connie Britt (Jeff) of Cumberland Furnace, TN

   Crystal Dubach (Scott) of Cumberland Furnace, TN

Daughter-in-Law:

   Lisa Gafford of Cumberland Furnace, TN

Siblings:

   Judy Blackwell (Lewis) of Cumberland Furnace, TN

   Diane Hiner of Henrietta, TN

Grandchildren:

   Misty Bell (Josh), Chasity Champa (Billy), Nathan Dubach (Jordan),

   Tylor Dubach (Bryanna), Candace Batson

Great Grandchildren:

   Rylee, Stetson, Hadley, Emmalynn, 

   Oaklyn, Conley, Saylor, and Paisley

As well as several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by:

Parents: Coy and Ovie Neblett Baggett

Husband: Joe Neil Gafford

Son: Kevin Neil Gafford

Grandson: Michael Shane Sanders

Siblings: Darnell Baggett, William Baggett, Jean Hayes, Donald Baggett

Arrangements by Spann Funeral Home & Cremation Services (615) 446-1123