OBITUARY: Gladys Joyce Reels

In Loving Memory of Gladys “Joyce” Lambert Reels

Gladys “Joyce” Lambert Reels passed away peacefully on November 10, 2025, at Kempton Manor in Hermitage, Tennessee, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. Joyce was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 52 years, Oscar L. Reels; her beloved son, Joey D. Reels; her parents, Andy “Beecher” Lambert and Willie “Pearl” Tollison Lambert Phy; her brothers, Jerry Phy, Johnny Phy, and Ernie Lambert; and her sisters, Mary Luetta Bennett and Leotta Moss.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Linda Reels Butler of Mt. Juliet, TN; her daughter-in-law, Kathy Reels of Dayton, OH; her sisters, Ruth Kovach and Judy (Gene) Fitch; her grandchildren, Connie Lynch, Rob (Sherry) Metzler, Gina (Jerry) Tom, and Sarah Metzler; and her great-grandchildren, Jerry Allen Tom (Kara), Tia Tom, Hunter Lynch, Alex Lynch, Christopher Lynch, Connor Lynch, Ryan Metzler, Dillon Metzler, and Bo Metzler. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who cherished her deeply.

Joyce was a faithful member of New Hope Baptist Church in Hermitage, TN, where she and Oscar served together in many ministries. Her greatest joy was caring for nursery babies, a role she embraced for over two decades. Alongside dear friends Fran Vaden and Joyce Russell, she became a cherished presence in the church’s nursery, known for her unwavering dedication and gentle spirit.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Ronald McDonald House Charities, or New Hope Baptist Church, 6010 S. New Hope Road, Hermitage, TN 37076. Arrangements will be announced at a later date.

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