Joyce Phillips Denton

Joyce Phillips Denton, age 98, of Alcoa, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Cosby, TN and was the 5th child born to Walter and Mae Phillips. She was raised up with a great love of family having 9 siblings that she loved dearly. She married Hugh Denton at the age of 17 during World War II. They traveled many places in the United State due to the war but settled in Maryville, TN when Hugh was discharged from the service. Here they raised two daughters, Phyllis and Janice, that she loved dearly. But Joyce’s greatest love in life was her grand-daughter Lindsay Mae. There was no greater joy for her than spending time with her Princess, as she affectionally called her. They spent many hours talking, having fun and just being together. Many may remember Joyce from the 28 years she worked at Burger King as the dining room hostess. Her love of people, her quick wit and sense of humor made her a natural at this job. Many customers would come in just to talk with her while they ate. 

Preceded in death by: father, Walter G. Philips; mother, Addie Mae Shults Phillips; grandmother, Rebecca Shults Jenkins; husband of 49 years, Hugh W. Denton; Fiancé, William D. “Bill” Hilbert; brothers, Paul Phillips, Wayne “Buster” Phillips, John “Toot” Phillips, Phillip “Doc” Phillips, and Walter “Sambo” Phillips; sisters, Carrie McMillon, Eula Freeman, Dorothy “Shug” Milen. 

Left behind to cherish her memory: daughter, Phyllis Denton; daughter, Janice White & husband Steve; beloved grand-daughter, Lindsay Mae White Mendoza & husband John; brother, Clarence “Pert” Phillips; 46 nieces and nephews. Special thank you to Blount Memorial Home Health and Blount Memorial Hospice for the excellent care she received from them.

Family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 PM, Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at Smith Trinity Chapel. Funeral service will be at 6:00 PM with Pastor Wayne Atchley officiating. Interment will be at 1:00 PM, Thursday, January 23, 2025 at Sherwood Memorial Gardens. Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.