Joyce Marie Vaughn, 73, of Nashville, TN, passed from this life to her eternal one on May 13, 2026. Born on August 20, 1952, Joyce grew up in Nashville and graduated from Maplewood High School with the Class of 1970.
Those who knew Joyce remember a woman whose presence quietly steadied a room—cherished not only for what she did, but for the gentle way she did it. Compassion came naturally to her, expressed in everyday kindness, faithful loyalty to the people she loved, and a resilience that carried her through life with grace. She had a way of making anyone she came into contact with feel truly seen and very special, and her sweet spirit left comfort in its wake.
In addition to being a full-time homemaker, Joyce worked outside the home and spent many years as a bookkeeper for the Metropolitan Nashville Public School System. She brought care and diligence to her work, serving with the same dependable heart that defined her life at home and in her community.
Joyce was married to the love of her life, Tommy, for 53 wonderful years and their home was founded on faith. She cherished every moment spent with her husband and best friend. Some of Joyce's happiest times were spent sitting outside with Tommy watching their beloved dog, Stella, and enjoying the hummingbirds that seemed to fly in each day to greet them both. Joyce loved the Lord and it was evident in every area of her life from church, family, and work. She adored spending time with her grandchildren and treasured the closeness of family—always looking forward to every possible opportunity to speak regularly to her sisters by phone.
Her compassion reached far beyond her immediate circle. Joyce was passionate about Foreign Missions and, for many years, made clothes for her church to send to children in Haiti as part of the mission field there. For many years, in her spare time, she also served as the bookkeeper for missions at her church, First Apostolic Church, which she has attended for over 70 years - quietly supporting work she believed in with a servant’s heart and steady commitment.
Joyce was preceded in death by her father, Clarence Gulley; her mother, Margaret (Boaz) Gulley; her sisters, Nancy Denton and Peggy Kelley; and her daughters, Julie Annette Vaughn and Krystal Vaughn Chaffin. She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Tommy Vaughn; her daughter, Kimberly McKillop (Aaron); her grandsons, Tyler McKillop, Hunter Chaffin, and Seth McKillop; her granddaughter, Cortlynn McKillop; her brothers, Ray Gulley and Steve Gulley (Joni); and her faithful canine companion, "Stella Marie Vaughn". Joyce also leaves behind many extended family members and friends.
Though Joyce’s days were marked by service and faith, her legacy is most clearly felt in the tenderness she offered so freely—kind-hearted, steadfast, and deeply compassionate to the very end. She will be missed more than words can hold, and remembered with enduring love. Joyce, until the 12th of never, we'll still be loving you.
There will be a Gathering of Family & Friends on Friday, May 22, from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at the First Apostolic Church, 265 Broodmoor Drive, Nashville, TN, followed by a Celebration of Joyce's Life at 7:00 PM. Pastor D.J. Shoulders will officiate. Hunter Chaffin, Tyler McKillop, Seth McKillop, Aaron McKillop, and Danny Gulley will serve as pallbearers. On Saturday, May 23, Joyce will be laid to rest at 1:00 PM in a Graveside Service in the Garden of Peace at Hermitage Memorial Gardens, 535 Shute Lane, Old Hickory, TN.
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