Iva "Joyce" Rawdon Cardwell

Iva “Joyce” Rawdon Cardwell, age 87, of Summertown, TN, passed away Thursday, July 23, 2026 at NHC Scott in Lawrenceburg. Joyce was born on September 19, 1938 to the late Carl Gilbert “Charlie” Rawdon and Silvia “Gertrude” Griffin Rawdon.

Joyce graduated from Summertown High School in 1957. She attended Andrew Jackson Business University in Nashville where she completed secretarial and business law courses. Later, she moved to Ft. Wayne, Indiana where her oldest sister was located. Joyce found employment and lived there several years before returning to Summertown in 2002. She worked as a receptionist and administrative assistant for various office settings throughout her life before retiring in 2014.

She enjoyed gardening, flowers, and trees. Joyce was known to carry a shovel in her car and stop along the roadside to dig up a little cedar tree if she saw one. Other interests included researching family history, attending plays and traveling, and serving in the church nursery and as youth sponsor when she lived in Indiana. She liked to collect holiday nutcrackers, mugs, and rocks. Pizza, Pepsi and Nutty Buddy bars were among her favorites. But she never turned down ice cream or a milk shake when it was offered.

Joyce was a big “hugger” who enjoyed giving and receiving hugs. She had beautiful blue eyes that lit up when she smiled. She was welcoming and gracious, fun and tenderhearted, hardworking and wise, kind and generous, timid and yet outspoken when needed. Joyce was a devoted Christian, who loved Jesus and took joy in all of God’s creation. She was a loving mother, grandma, and GiGi who cherished spending time with her family and friends. Her lifelong friendships are a testament to the value she placed on the people in her life. She will be dearly missed, but forever in our hearts.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Juanita Davis, Irene Dugger, and Mary Tanner.

She is survived by her daughter, Cathy Knapp (Michael); sister, Annie Lou Spears; grandchildren and great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to "Wycliffe Bible Translators (Carol Pebley #222221)" at P.O. Box 628200 Orlando, FL 32862.

A celebration of life service will be announced at a later date.