Joyce Delores Drew

August 5, 1937 – July 19, 2025

With heartfelt love and profound gratitude, we celebrate the life of Joyce Delores Drew, who passed away on July 19, 2025, at the age of 87. Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, on August 5, 1937, to Clarence and Frankie Hunter, Joyce was the eldest of two children and a shining example of grace, strength, and unwavering faith.

From her early years, Joyce carried herself with wisdom beyond her age. After graduating from East High School, she married Charles Henry Troutman, and for twenty-four years they built a beautiful family of five children. Joyce’s love for her family was matched by her dedication to her community. While living in Los Angeles and Carson, California, she worked for the Los Angeles County Department of Adoptions and made lasting contributions through volunteerism, coaching girls’ basketball, active participation in local politics, and involvement in the Toastmistress Club. Her voice was always used to uplift, advocate, and inspire women.

Joyce’s interests were as vibrant as her spirit. She adored exotic teas, vibrant wines, music, dancing, fine dining, personalized stationery, and exploring new cultures and cuisines. Family adventures whether camping, vacationing, or simply gathering at home to teach the importance of “writing the vision” and goal setting were among her greatest joys.

Joyce returned to Knoxville. Never one to stop growing, she earned her Master’s degree and continued to serve others, including her work at the Knoxville Woman’s Center. She later married her husband, Charles “Pete” Drew, with whom she shared over four decades of marriage.

For six years, Joyce returned to California as Program Director for the Long Beach Girl Scout Council. A true adventurer, she traveled extensively and never lost her thirst for seeing the world. Celebrating her 80th birthday in Madrid, Spain, with dreams of Italy on the horizon.

Joyce was a devoted member and elder of Honey Rock Church of Knoxville, TN, where her faith and kindness left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Frankie Hunter; her brother, Norman Hunter; her children Timothy Troutman, Tanya Goins, and Anthony Troutman.

She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Charles Drew; daughters Kathie Jones (David) and Charlotte Flowers (Ruben Jr.), bonus daughter Scheryle Gusby; son-in-law Milton Goins; stepchildren Thomasena Drew and Randall Drew, grandchildren Kandis Troutman, Sidnee Troutman, David Timothy Jones, Marcel Jones, Ruben Flowers III, Steven Flowers, and Carmen Flowers; bonus granddaughter Kree Gusby; great-grandchildren Jaylen Burney, JaJuan Williams Jr., and Saniyah Reese; cousin George Hodge; half-sister Willard Ann; and a host of nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to those who surrounded “Mama Joyce” with love in her final days: Teresa Duff, Pastor Ron, and the Honey Rock Church family.

Joyce’s radiant smile, generous heart, and enduring faith will forever be remembered. Her life was a testament to love, resilience, and the beauty of living with grace.