Joyce (Johns) Holt

Joyce Johns Holt, passed away at her home in Springfield, on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

She was born and raised in Hancock County, Tennessee and was always willing to tell anyone who would listen about the beauty of the East Tennessee mountains and the story of the Melungeons in Hancock County. Joyce was born to the late A.B. Johns and Martelie Price Johns. She was preceded in death by her husband: Richard C. Holt, after nearly 69 years of marriage, by her sister Hallie June Ridge, and by her brother Dana H. Johns. Joyce is survived by her daughter Regina Holt of Springfield.

When Joyce left home and moved to Knoxville, she worked at a popular restaurant where she met Richard. After marriage they lived for a short time in Atlanta, GA and then moved to Jacksonville, FL and settled down. She was a wonderful stay-at-home mother raising Regina through her high school years. She volunteered for many civic organizations, school, and church positions. Joyce and Richard later moved to Nashville, where she worked in various capacities including customer service director for a national transmission company and in insurance with her husband for many years.

After retirement, Joyce and Richard moved to Springfield, where she quickly made friends, joined the YMCA, and attended Springfield Baptist Church. She encouraged people and frequently asked where they went to church and if they knew the Lord. Joyce was a friend to everyone and enjoyed being Mom to many of Regina’s friends.

A private service will be held at a later date.

If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse or to Springfield Baptist Church.

Services have been entrusted to Robertson County Funeral Home.

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