Joyce Ann Holcombe Franklin

Joyce Ann Holcombe Franklin was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister. She entered into her eternal heavenly home on September 26, 2026, and we cherish her life of 80 years and what she has meant to everyone. Her life has been a blessing to her loved ones, and they have wonderful memories of their “ Nanny” held in their hearts that will never be forgotten.

 They hold memories of Joyce never forgetting birthdays and anniversaries. She was always the first to call to say “Happy B-day! or Happy Anniversary”.  Her home was a place filled with love and happy memories. Joyce was a wonderful cook and was always willing to make any dish that the family wanted. In the words of Dustin, “ Nana makes the best dang cornbread”.

Joyce had enjoyed crocheting, and Tammy recalls Joyce trying to teach her, but the only words to describe this were  “Oh, what a mess!” What a happy and fun moment to treasure.  Joyce always canned vegetables in the summer, and that lesson Tammy did learn and will carry on forever.  Joyce could often be found working on puzzles and doing word search books during her quiet moments. She found happiness in the simple and good things in life. She was truly an example for us to follow.

Spring was a favorite season of the year for Joyce. She loved the beautiful flowers and so looked forward to seeing the hummingbirds visit around her home. She would sit on her porch for hours drinking her coffee and watching the birds. Ronnie holds special memories of sitting on the porch and visiting with Joyce, but this always followed a trip to Maggie Valley to get butter popcorn Jelly Bellies.   She also enjoyed going out to eat with her family; IHOP, Black Bear Café, and just about any place that served fish were among her favorites. Of course, what meant more to Joyce was being together with her loved ones, laughing, talking, and having this time together.          

 Tom received a phone call every day from Joyce; it was just like clockwork at 11:00 am and again at 5:00 pm in the afternoon. He couldn’t help but tease her if she was a minute or so late. Brian remembers their weekend conversations and the hourly calls whenever he was traveling. “She always wanted to make certain everyone was okay, that we were safe, and where we were.” Her heart was filled with love for her family. Denise, her daughter-in-law, shared her story of always apologizing to Joyce for moving her sons so far away to Michigan. Joyce missed them terribly, but she loved Denise anyway!  The love for all her family was immeasurable. 

  Our sweet and kind Joyce will be missed forever, but these precious memories and stories will remain with us forever. She was a loving and wonderful person who blessed all our lives. She is now on this day in her glorious place of peace and rest.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Euna Grace Clontz Holcombe and Floyd Holcombe; a son, Thomas Harrison Franklin, Jr.; her brothers, Hillard Clontz, Floyd “Bo” Hugh Holcombe and Jerry Archie Holcombe; and a sister, Amanda Ruth Farmer.

Surviving are her loving husband of 65 years, Thomas Harrison Franklin; her sons, Thomas Shiloah Franklin (Tammy), Ronald Hugh Franklin (Denise), and William Brian Franklin (Stacy); grandchildren, Robert Shiloah Franklin (Becky), Dustin Franklin, Blake “Bartman” Allen Franklin (Sammi Jo), Jessica Marie Decker (Ryan), Stephanie Ann Franklin (Aaron), Matthew Brian Franklin (Sanne); 10 great-grandchildren; her brother, Daniel Albert Holcombe; and many friends.

 A gathering of family and friends to celebrate the life of Joyce will be held from 2:00 pm until 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2026, in the chapel of Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service is deeply honored to be caring for the Franklin family.