Joy Raphaela Hughes Grissom
Joy Raphaela Hughes Grissom, born on January 6, 1976, to William A. Hughes, Sr. and Carolyn Hughes, passed away on February 27, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, warmth, and cherished memories.
A proud graduate of Ooltewah High School’s Class of 1994, Joy dedicated her professional career to the insurance field, where she excelled as a billing specialist. She gained valuable experience working at various organizations, including North American Credit Services.
Joy was preceded in death by her father, William A. Hughes, Sr.; her brothers, Todd Hughes, Raymond Hughes, and William Hughes, Jr.; her mother-in-law, Mrs. Brenda Grissom; and her grandparents, Raymond and Ailene Hughes and John and Josephine Burton.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Marcus Grissom; her children who were the heartbeat of her life, Bryce Grissom, "The Twins" Braxton Grissom and Savannah Grissom, and Olivia, her cherished dog. Her loving mother, Carolyn Hughes, and her siblings: Jacquise (Michael) Bradford, Sharita (Robert) Blakemore, Torrey (Cindy) Hughes, William Patterson, Angelia Adams, Shauntae Fluellen-Hughes, Darrell Hughes, and Wendy Hughes. She was also blessed with a loving extended family, surrounded by the love and support of those close to her, including a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and dear family friends.
Joy loved the Lord and was a devoted member of The World’s Church of The Living God, where she found love, strength, and unity. You often found her behind the scenes working and supporting various church activities. Joy made it known that she loved her WCLG family. She shared an unbreakable special bond with her best friend, Thessela White, whom she called "Buddy." Their bond was built on mutual faith, support, laughter, and love, which was a true testament to their lasting friendship.
Her passions in life encompassed a wide range of activities. She loved cooking, she brought “Joy” and warmth to every meal she prepared, which also came with a delicious, sweet treat that she baked for her family to enjoy. She also loved dining out and exploring various restaurants with family and friends. Gardening was another of her cherished hobbies; she enjoyed growing beautiful flowers and working with her husband Marcus to grow and maintain a bountiful vegetable garden, which they generously shared with others. Shopping was a delight for her, especially when it came to décor and fashion, a passion she shared with her mother, daughter, sisters, and special niece, Joanna. Traveling was always high on her yearly list of things to enjoy, and she cherished the time spent with her family on these adventures. Additionally, she had a creative side that shone through in her candle-making. She launched her own scented candle line, JG Abode Candles, displaying her entrepreneurial spirit and creativity. Joy's bold yet sweet nature, her friendliness, kindness, resilience, dedication in all that she did, and the unwavering love for her husband, children, family, and friends will be forever cherished and deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Public viewing will be from 2-6 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, at the funeral home. A noon funeral service will be held on Friday, March 14, in the chapel of John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga, 423 622-9995.
Interment will follow at Beautiful Greenwood Cemetery.