Joyce Hughes Hanchey, 94, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.

She was born in Tampa, Fl., on August 15, 1930, to Harry Z. Ward and Edith White Ward.

Mrs. Hanchey was a longtime resident of the Ooltewah and Collegedale area.

Over the years she had developed a close friendship with the members of the Kingsmen Quarter and had often had them in her home sharing a home cooked meal. She enjoyed singing in the choir and visiting the nursing homes to sing for the patients.

She loved to quilt and cross stitch and made quilts, afghans and other items for family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde Hanchey; parents, Harry and Edith Ward; and two brothers, Jerald (Thelma) Ward and Gene Ward; stepchildren, Bert Hanchey, Clydell Elliott and Jerald Hanchey.

She is survived by her daughters, Jeanne (William) Hixon; Arlene Hughes; two granddaughters, Kimberly Ferguson, and Robin (Mike) Hixon Abel, all of Ooltewah; four grandchildren, Ashlyn Ferguson, Kolbey (Ben) Caulder, Piper Campbell, and Will Campbell; one great-great-grandchild, Collins Caulder; nephews. Brian, David and Patrick Ward; stepdaughter, Chyrel (Jim) Lewis; along with a host of other relatives.

Joyce is also survived by special friends, Barbara and Felipe Granada and faithful companion, her cat Bella.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 3 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Bobby Lewis and Rev. Paul Crosby officiating. A private family burial will follow at the Collegedale Memorial Park with Patrick Ferguson, Jeff Campbell, Bill Caulder, Brody Wolfe, Mike Abel, and William Hixon serving as pallbearers.

You may share condolences with the family at www.heritagechattanooga.com

The family would like to express our appreciation to Hearth Hospice and Guiding Grace Personal Care Home for the excellent care she received and to the Lunches to Go volunteers who delivered her daily meals.

A special thanks to her granddaughter Kimberly Ferguson who lived with and cared for her so that she could remain at home.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, Nov. 26, from 1-3 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road.