Joyce Wray Fogarty's Obituary
Nancy “Joyce” Wray Fogarty, age 95, passed away peacefully at her home on April 3, 2026.
Joyce was born on March 28, 1931, to Evelyn and Uriah Wray. After her father’s passing when she was 12, her mother married Robert McConnell Marlin, who lovingly raised Joyce as his own. She grew up alongside her brother, Larry Wray, and stepsiblings Barbara Marlin Banks, Pierre “Bud” Marlin, Dale Marlin, and Don Marlin (all deceased).
Joyce never met a stranger and had a special gift for lighting up any room she entered. She began each day with a smile, a cup of coffee, and time spent enjoying her favorite puzzles—Jumble, crossword, and Sudoku before heading down to breakfast with her friends at the Maybelle Carter Independent facility where she most recently resided.
Joyce lived in the Inglewood area of Nashville and attended Jere Baxter Elementary and Isaac Litton High School. She remained deeply connected to her roots as an active member of the Litton Alumni Association, where she was very involved with the “Feed the Kids” program and the Touchdown Club.
Joyce met the love of her life, John Howard Fogarty, while working together at International Harvester. They were married for 65 wonderful years until his passing in 2016.
Joyce devoted many years to her most rewarding role as a wife and mother. Later, she worked at Swift Independent Packing Company, where she remained until her retirement.
Joyce is survived by her children: Linda Fogarty (Mike Hull), Janet Bowman (Adam), and Larry Fogarty (Cyndie). She was a proud grandmother to Amber Fogarty (Chris), Adam Pritchett (Ashley), Marisa Smith (Matt), Claire Fogarty, Hattie Fogarty, and Jonathan Fogarty, and a cherished great-grandmother to Lincoln and Paris Fogarty and Colby Pennington. Joyce was also treasured by numerous nieces and nephews, and her beloved granddogs and grandcats.
Always serving others, Joyce volunteered for many years with local organizations, including the Ladies of Charity and City Road United Methodist Church.
Visitation and services:
• Visitation: Thursday, April 9, 3:00–6:00 p.m., Spring Hill Funeral Home, 5110 Gallatin Pike S, Nashville, TN.
• Celebration of Life: Friday, April 10, 10:00 a.m, City Road United Methodist Church, 701 Gallatin Road S, Madison, TN with visitation from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
• Burial to follow at Noon, Woodlawn Memorial Park, 660 Thompson Lane, Nashville, TN.
Joyce’s warmth, kindness, and joyful spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to:
City Road United Methodist Church
701 Gallatin Road S
Madison, TN 37115
Arrangements entrusted to Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5110 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216, 615-865-1101, https://www.springhillfh.com
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