It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Joyce Frey, a cherished wife, sister, and friend, who departed this life on June 25, 2026, at the age of 70. Born on September 29, 1955, in Buffalo, NY, Joyce was a beacon of love, warmth, and resilience to all who knew her.

Joyce was the beloved daughter of Harold and Pat Gerwitz. She was preceded in death by her dear sisters, Mary Gerwitz, Jane Aquiline, Joanne Gerwitz, and brother Kris Gerwitz, who each held a unique and treasured place in her heart. She is survived by her loving brothers, Jeff and Dan Gerwitz, and her sister, Karen Servis, who will forever cherish the memories they shared.

In Jacksonville, FL, Joyce found her soulmate and lifelong partner, Ernie Frey in 1985 with whom she shared a marriage filled with love, laughter, and unwavering companionship.

An alumna of Sweet Home High School, Joyce's thirst for knowledge led her to pursue higher education, where she earned her Associates Degree. Her career as a systems analyst was marked by dedication and excellence, as she contributed her talents to her workplace for many fulfilling years.

Joyce was a passionate and expert fly angler, dedicating countless hours to the serene art of fly fishing and where she spent many hours fishing in Tennessee, North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, Montana, California, Arizona, Texas, Arkansas and Alaska. Her love for the outdoors extended beyond fishing, as she was a vibrant member of the Little River Chapter of Trout Unlimited in Maryville, TN. Joyce's commitment to this organization was evident in her active participation in Trout in the Classroom, publishing the chapter newsletter and as a previous board member. She also found joy in quilting, beading and especially bike riding, where she and Ernie rode in every state in the contiguous Lower 48 and in 2004 they rode from California to Florida.

Her spirit was as vibrant as it was compassionate, qualities that endeared her to everyone she met. Joyce's enthusiastic involvement in fishing, sports cars and biking communities underscored her dynamic personality and zest for life.

A service to celebrate Joyce's remarkable life will be held on July 16, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a prayer service at 6:00 PM at the Smith Funeral and Cremation Services, located at 1402 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, TN. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice or Joyce's choice of MikeRoweworks.org, as Joyce believed deeply in the power of giving back.

Though no longer with us in body, Joyce's spirit will continue to inspire all who were privileged to know her. Her family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. While no special message is provided here, we encourage everyone to hold dear the memories they shared with Joyce and continue her legacy of kindness and generosity.

Joyce Frey will forever be remembered for her boundless love, her unwavering strength, and the light she brought into the world.

Condolences may be shared at Smith Funeral & Cremation Services, 865-983-1000, or www.smithfuneralandcremation.com.