Mary Joyce Battle

Mary "Joyce" Battle entered into her eternal home peacefully on Thursday, December 24, 2020 with her dedicated husband Lawrence at her side.

Joyce was born February 21, 1944 in Chattanooga, Tennessee to Inez Elnora Taylor and James Huey, and she was proud of her Chattanooga Choo Choo heritage!  As a young girl, Joyce spent plenty of time in Blowing Springs, Georgia playing tea time on the boulder rocks, exploring the countryside with her older cousins and singing in the choir at Chandler Chapel Baptist Church.

As a young woman, Joyce moved to the Windy City---Chicago, Illinois, which she considered her second home with her maternal grandmother and aunt. Soon after, Joyce became a city dweller and began making lifelong friends. Through networking, Joyce was introduced to Lawrence through his brother and the two grew inseparable.  This introduction led to a lifelong union of unwavering true love and friendship spanning over 50 years!  Joyce and the love of her life traveled the United States extensively and included some trips overseas.

In 1986, Joyce gave birth to a special bundle and her only child Ashley. Joyce was a proud homemaker.  She was very involved in her daughter's life---happily attending class field trips as a chaperone and supporting career goals.  Later in life, Joyce gained a dear four-legged friend and doggy son "Fudge".  This yorkshire terrier brought Joyce so much joy and lots of exercise!

Over the decades, Joyce resided in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, then made Maryland her final earthly home in 1990. Joyce loved traveling to indulge in differing cultures, particularly New Orleans; site seeing; amusement parks; food tasting; gathering seashells at the beach; and shopping! 

Joyce is preceded in death by both her parents, brother Richard D. Jordan, dear cousin Ruth Barron and beloved dog Fudge. She is survived by her loving husband Lawrence (Larry) Battle, daughter Ashley Lauren Battle, sisters Robbie Toney, Terri Dixie, Carolyn Dixie, Darlene Appleberry (Dennis); brother Robert Dixie; cousin Kevin Barron and a host of family and friends. 

Joyce's family will scatter her ashes in Tennessee on Lookout Mountain and conclude the celebration of life in New Orleans.