With profound sadness and deep gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of Joyce Ryan Gunter on June 13, 2026. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend, Joyce leaves behind a legacy of love, music, kindness, and faith that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Joyce was born on April 5, 1938, in Savannah, Georgia, to James Madison Ryan and Violet May Ryan. She spent her childhood in the heart of Savannah, a city she loved dearly. During her years at Savannah High School, Joyce formed lifelong friendships and enjoyed many cherished weekends at Tybee Island. It was also there that she met her high school sweetheart, Bobby Gunter of Benedictine Military School. Their shared adventures, many alongside dear friends Willene and Owen Strickland, laid the foundation for a marriage that would span more than fifty years. Together, Joyce and Bobby built a life centered on love, faith, family, and friendship and were blessed with one daughter, Gabrielle Elisabeth Gunter.

Music was at the heart of Joyce's life from an early age. A gifted soprano, she sang on the radio, performed in choirs, and was honored as a May Queen nominee during her youth. She attended Stetson University, where she earned a degree in Voice from the School of Music, and later completed a master's degree at Georgia State University. Throughout her college years, she spent summers singing at the renowned Farm House Restaurant in Boone, North Carolina, an experience she treasured throughout her life.

Joyce began her career as a music teacher and later devoted herself to raising her daughter, Gabrielle, who was born on March 25, 1969. As a mother, Joyce created a home filled with love, warmth, and meaningful traditions. Among the most cherished was her annual Christmas Tea for mothers and daughters, a gathering remembered fondly by all who attended.

When Joyce returned to teaching, she joined Vanderlyn Elementary School in Dunwoody, where she became a beloved and highly respected music educator. Her enthusiasm for music inspired countless students over the years. She founded children's choirs, including a mixed choir and a boys' choir, and led performances throughout the Atlanta area at venues such as Phipps Plaza and the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. Her colleagues became lifelong friends and an extension of her family.

Joyce had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcomed and valued. Her grace, kindness, generosity, and Southern hospitality touched everyone she met. Whether through music, friendship, or simple acts of care, she enriched the lives of those around her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bobby Gunter; her grandson, Stratton; and her parents, James Madison Ryan and Violet May Ryan.

Joyce's family finds comfort in knowing she has been reunited with those she loved and that the beautiful voice that brought joy to so many throughout her life now joins in eternal praise.

A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for your prayers as they grieve the loss of a remarkable woman whose love and influence will be treasured always.

One suggestion: if Gabrielle is writing this personally, she might consider ending with a single brief personal sentence, such as:

"To me, she was simply Mom, and I will forever miss hearing her call me 'dahlin.'"