Joyce Dale Atchison

Our beloved Joyce Dale (Woodard) Atchison, age 91, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Friday, August 8, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on March 14, 1934 to parents, Osha and Floyd Woodard. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Archie Atchison, their daughters, Patreesa Lynn Hudson and LeAnne Palmer.

Born into a close-knit family, Joyce carried the Christian values of faith, family, and kindness throughout her life. She was a devoted wife to her late husband, Thomas Archie Atchison, with whom she shared sixty-two years of love and partnership before his passing in 2015. Together, they raised a beautiful family and built a home filled with laughter, warmth, and steadfast faith in God.

Joyce and Thomas were members of Donelson Free Will Baptist, where Thomas was a deacon and enjoyed singing in the choir. Joyce was the church pianist for over twenty years. In later years, they were members of Cherry Mound Baptist Church in White House where Thomas was music director. Joyce, again, served for many years as the church pianist.

Joyce is survived by her brother, Paul Woodard; sons, Mark Anthony Atchison (Lisa), Timothy Allen Atchison, Michael Wayne Atchison (Sheryl); daughter, Tracey Dawn Smith (Larry); numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Joyce also leaves behind and extended family too large to list, but, no less cherished. Her faith was her constant source of comfort and it is now our comfort to know she is at peace in His presence.

There will be a time of visitation for Joyce at Hermitage Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 12, from 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM and on Wednesday, August 13, from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM. Following the Wednesday visitation, Joyce will be laid to rest at 2:00 PM in the Garden of Peace at Hermitage Memorial Gardens. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Atchison family by selecting "Add a Memory" at the bottom of this page.