Lysandra Joelle Otto

The name Lysandra comes from Greek; Joelle from French and Hebrew. Together they mean; Deliverer of men, the Lord is willing. From the very start, Joelle lived up to her name. Before Joelle was even a year old, we dedicated her to the Lord at the Detroit Metropolitan SDA Church. At about 10½ years old, Joelle made her first personal decision for Jesus and chose to join the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Patient and determined, she completed three different Bible study series before being baptized by her grandfather, Pastor Byron Churchill, in Crossville, Tennessee. As a family, we began attending short-term mission trips with Mexico Missions and Beyond. Unbeknownst to us, Joelle quietly recommitted her life to God at about 16 years old, choosing to be rebaptized. On mission trips to Mexico, she often led brick-laying crews during church building projects. With determination and joy, she even raced professional bricklayers to see who could finish first on the brick gable ends that reached up to the roofs. She poured her energy into God’s work, showing both strength and faithfulness in every task.

Joelle had a strong love for animals. Every hurt or lost creature seemed drawn to her. A chipmunk once climbed her body and hid in her long hair for safety. She had many pets including birds, hens, raccoon, goats, her most loved horses Banger and Boomer, cats and she fostered dogs for the humane society. Above all her African Gray Parrot Daniel was especially dear to her and gave her comfort during difficult times. She was deeply involved in Adventurers, Pathfinders, and the Teen Leadership Training program, eventually achieving Master Guide. She loved serving people and spent four summers working at camps where she held lifeguarding, WSI, and Horse Certifications. From these experiences she developed a passion for evangelism, even spending a summer as a literature evangelist.

Joelle completed high school through CLEAH, and then went on to graduate from Andrews University, where she earned a double major in Mathematics and Biology in 2015. Joelle also had a gift for teaching. After completing her double major at Andrews University, she served two years as a student missionary in Egypt. At Andrews University, Joelle served as president of Nagilah Grace, a traditional Jewish dance group that performed during many events including Passion play weekends. She researched ancient songs and dances, some dating back to King David, and led her team in bringing biblical culture to life. Joelle always wanted a garden of her own. At Andrews she joined the community garden, and during one greenhouse visit she stepped in to help an overwhelmed cashier. Impressed by her knowledge, the staff connected her with a job opportunity, and soon she was managing a farmers’ market near Chicago, work she enjoyed for several years. She was working toward her secondary education certificate and was very near completing her master’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Toledo when COVID-19 interrupted her studies.

Joelle became a mother for the first time on July 22, 2023, to her sweet and smart son, Azeriah Joel Acre. She eagerly prepared for his education, purchasing curriculum not just for him but for the children she hoped would follow.

On March 17, 2023 Joelle met Jonathan. When she found out that he was a cowboy and a farmer she was thrilled. She had loved working on the farm in college. They both questioned God on the relationship because they knew that joining lives can be difficult. Both felt independently that God was leading them towards Marriage. They met in person for the first time on June 6, 2023 at 12 noon. They were worried that they might not get along together in person, but that fear quickly vanished and they spent the next 12 hours walking, seeing the sights of Chattanooga and talking. As the time grew late they both marveled at how 12 hours went by like maybe an hour or two. Jonathan told Joelle that he wondered if a lifetime with her would be long enough. She said that she didn’t think so.

On November 25, 2023 Jonathan asked Joelle if she would be his wife, to which she gladly said yes. On March 17, 2024, she committed her life before God to her husband, Jonathon Otto. Together they intended to raise their children in the Lord, as shown by the dedication of her firstborn son, Azeriah, at a local church in Tennessee. In the next year and a half Jonathan, Joelle and Azeriah went on many outdoor adventures camping in the upper peninsula of Michigan hunting for yooperlites. Some of their fondest memories were strolling the rocky beaches of Lake Superior under the stars with UV lights in hand looking for the rocks that glow like campfire embers. Another great adventure was hunting treasure, which lead them on some grueling bicycle rides and hikes through the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee. All the while they knew that the real treasure was their love for each other in their hearts. They loved rafting the Hiwassee River, camping and just anything outdoors. But one of Joelle’s favorite activities was doing a corn maze. When she realized that Jonathan liked them too, she was delighted to walk through the maze of corn munching kernels of corn hand in hand with Jonathan. Many times she told Jonathan, “thank you for taking me to a corn maze.”

On August 24, 2025, Joelle became a mother for the second time — to her son, Samuel Lenn Otto — only thirty minutes before she herself was pronounced deceased. Samuel lives today because of Joelle’s fastidiousness and determination and the skill of the medical professionals in Chattanooga. We are deeply grateful to all of them; a special thank you to all of you.

Joelle’s life was full — full of love for: God, her husband, children, family, people, animals, and service. She was intelligent, courageous, compassionate, and dedicated. Though her years were too few, her impact was immeasurable, and the memory of her faith and kindness will live on in all who knew her.

Joelle is survived by her husband, Jonathan and children, Azeriah & Samuel. additional suriving family members include her parents, James & Jo Acre; her brothers, Ben, Alastair (wife Maranda), Brendonn (wife Paola) and Z. Mikey; her grand parents, Fred & Jackie Fitch Acre, and Marie Fraser Bodi; aunts & uncle, Deanna Acre, Scott Acre, Tawnya Churchill, and Karen Deuter as well as numerous cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her sister, Cassandra Jean, and grandparents Byron and Normagene Hunt Churchill.

How Others Saw Her: Who was she in the eyes of others, or words would describe her?

Intelligent Negotiator:

Library trips were frequent when the Acre children were young. Each child was allowed to check out up to 10 books. It was from these trips that Joelle spontaneously began reading at about 4 years old. She would make deals with them. If they completed her chores, she would sit and read them stories, aloud, while they worked.

Courageous and Daring:

She loved geocaching, hiking, and all things outdoors. She once joined her brothers on an ambitious hike of eight Adirondack peaks. Despite gear failures, heavy rain, and even an exploding stove, Joelle did her best to press forward until the group wisely decided to end the trip early.

Frugal Music Lover:

She loved Contemporary Christian Music Once she and her siblings volunteered two hours in exchange for free tickets to a weekend-long concert. They camped in tents, but Joelle got to see her favorite groups up close — something she treasured.

Tolerant and Caring:

Joelle often went out of her way to make others happy. Once she cooked spaghetti, watched Flushed Away, and invited a friend over — not because she enjoyed those things herself, but simply to bring joy to her sibling.

Investigative Leader:

At Andrews University, Joelle served as president of Nagilah Grace, a traditional Jewish dance group that performed during many events including Passion Play weekends. She researched ancient songs and dances, some dating back to King David, and led her team in bringing biblical culture to life.

Green-Thumbed Helper:

Joelle always wanted a garden of her own. At Andrews she joined the community garden, and during one greenhouse visit she stepped in to help an overwhelmed cashier. Impressed by her knowledge, the staff connected her with a job opportunity, and soon she was managing a farmers’ market near Chicago, work she enjoyed for several years.

Problem-Solving Friend:

On a mission trip, Joelle noticed a new participant struggling with a leaky air mattress. She patiently taught her how to find and patch the hole, then helped her get proper supplies. That simple kindness blossomed into a friendship, with the young woman eventually becoming part of our extended family.

Dedicated Worker:

Joelle was also a dedicated and hardworking leader. On mission trips to Mexico, she often led brick-laying crews during church building projects. With determination and joy, she even raced professional bricklayers to see who could finish first on the brick gable ends that reached up to the roofs. She poured her energy into God’s work, showing both strength and faithfulness in every task.

The family will receive visitors 4:00 - 8:00 PM on Thursday August 28, 2025 at the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home 7414 Old Lee Hwy. Chattanooga, TN 37421.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 PM on Friday August 29, 2025 in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Danail Tchakarov officiating. Joelle will be laid to rest, immediately following, in Collegedale Memorial Park.

Visit www.chattanoogavalleyviewchapel.com to share memories, words of comfort, and view the video tribute.

Arrangements entrusted to Chattanooga Funeral Home, Valley View Chapel.