Joyce Newman

Joyce Marie Elliott Newman, 87, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2025. Born in Princeton, West Virginia on May 11, 1938, and raised in Erwin, Tennessee, Joyce carried the spirit of East Tennessee with her throughout her life. Though she traveled the world, the Smoky Mountains always held her heart.

Joyce is survived by her four loving daughters: Diane Powell, Denise Steverson (Johnny), Donna McGarrh (Tim), and Debra Shelby (Mike); ten grandchildren: Aly, Cameron, Daniel, Carter, Kaley, Sarah, Kelsey, Max, Emily, and Maggie; and two great-grandchildren: Ellie and Paxton. She is also survived by her sister, Elizabeth Cable of Johnson City, TN, and her cherished friend Maenett Hobson (Curtis). She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry Raymond Elliott and Maxine Elliott.

After a brief early career with the FBI, Joyce dedicated herself to raising her children and later returned to the workforce. She was known and loved by many through her years at Baker Elementary School, UMMC, Walmart in Jackson, and Fred’s store in Pearl, Mississippi, where she retired in 2019. Joyce had a remarkable gift for turning customers into friends—her warm spirit and genuine kindness left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Even years after retiring, she couldn’t go out in public without someone recognizing her and being delighted to see her again.

Joyce was a very proud mother and loved to talk about her daughters and grandchildren to anyone who would listen.

She was also a big collector. She had a lifelong love of elephants, amassing a collection of over 2,000, each with its own story and memory. She was also an avid reader, with more than 1,000 books in her personal library. She also loved Elvis and the covered bridge in Elizabethton, TN and had a large collection of memorabilia for both. Her home was filled with warmth, wisdom, and wonder. Joyce lived a long, joyful life filled with family, friendship, laughter, and love. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, grace, and heartfelt connections. We would not be surprised to find her greeting people at the gates of Heaven—welcoming each one as she did so many during her life.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

We will be holding a celebration in honor of mom’s life soon.