Joyce Silliman Keistler passed away peacefully on October 10, 2024, at the age of 74. Born on November 14, 1949, in Salisbury, NC, Joyce moved to Rockingham, NC, as a young girl. She graduated from Rockingham High School in 1967 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Relationships from the University of North Carolina Greensboro, completing her degree in just three years.

In 1970, Joyce married Roland Dunn Keistler, Jr., and the couple began their life together in Newell, NC, where Joyce worked as a field director for the Hornet's Nest Girl Scout council. They moved to Cary, NC, in 1973, where Joyce served as Director of North Hills Childcare Center. In December 1985, Joyce and her family settled in Brentwood, TN, working for several years as the Library Assistant at Lipscomb Elementary School. Joyce dedicated a good portion of her career to non-profit work, most notably as the founding director of the FiftyForward Martin Center of Brentwood, TN. Joyce's leadership and passion for community service defined her career, and she remained in this role until her retirement in 2018.

Over her life, Joyce was an active volunteer and leader in her community, involved in many local organizations, including the Williamson County Chamber of Commerce, the NHC Community Advisory Board, and East Brentwood Presbyterian Church, where she served in numerous roles such as Stephen Minister, Elder, and Chair of the Christian Education Committee.

Her legacy of service and leadership was recognized with several prestigious honors, including the Fran Mazzaferro Leadership Award in 2012, Brentwood Women's Club Woman of the Year in 2011, the Leadership Brentwood Civic Leadership Award, the Rotary Club of Brentwood Community Service Award in 2016, and the 2018 Rotary Club of Brentwood Citizen of the Year Award.

She was a remarkable cook and found immense joy in the kitchen. Her passion for recipes and cookbook collecting was evident in her well-loved collection. Laughter was a constant in her life, as she created warm and joyful moments with family and friends. She was a devoted Tar Heel fan and cherished her time in the mountains of Blowing Rock and the beaches of North Carolina. She delighted in watching her grandkids play sports, cheering them on with pride, celebrating their victories, and sharing their joy.

Joyce is survived by her beloved husband of 54 years, Roland Dunn Keistler, Jr.; her daughters, Christina Keistler Sartell (Bradley) and Emily Stewart Keistler; her grandchildren, Conner and Evan Sartell; her sister, Janice Silliman Spears (Michael); niece, Katherine Spears Warner (Luke) and their son, Everett; nephew, Michael Alan Spears (Katlin) and their son, August; sister-in-law, Laura Stewart Keistler; her Aunt, Eunice Silliman Heilig; and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edmond Ray Silliman, Jr. and Thelma Louise Eagle Silliman.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Joyce's kindness, generosity, and spirit of service touched everyone she met. Her legacy of community leadership and her love for her family will continue to inspire those who knew her.

Joyce's life will be celebrated with a memorial service on Friday, November 15, 2024, at Brentwood First Presbyterian Church, located at 1301 Franklin Road, Brentwood, TN 37027. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM CST, followed by the service from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM CST. The service will be live-streamed, with a link available at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the FiftyForward Martin Center at 960 Heritage Way, Brentwood, TN 37027.

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