Joyce Sprague

DYER CHAPEL-Beverly "Joyce" (Yerkey) Sprague, born Friday, March 21, 1947, in Ashland, Ohio, passed away on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at her home in Cookeville, Tennessee at the age of 79.

A woman whose life was rooted in family and lasting devotion, Joyce was a graduate of Crestline High School in Crestline, Ohio. Joyce and her husband moved to Cookeville, Tennessee in 2025. She enjoyed sewing and quilting. She shared 60 years of marriage with her husband, William "Bill" Sprague, a remarkable bond that stood as a testament to love, commitment, and partnership across the decades.

Joyce will be deeply missed by her loving family. She is survived by her husband, William "Bill" George Sprague; her daughters, Michelle Sprague Torres and Sharon Henry and her husband, Donald Copp all of Cookeville. She is also survived by her brother, Jack Yerkey of Indiana; her sisters, Carolyn DeGreve and husband, Stan of Texas and Connie Beck and husband, Michael of Maine. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Lindsey Darrnell and her husband, Robert, Olivia St. Clair and her husband, Stefen, Brianna Babcock and her husband, Stephen Croll; Anastasia Vanderpool and her husband, James and Cheyenne Henry and her wife, Kelly. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren, Amelia Martinez, Mason Darrnell, Zoey St. Clair, Zack St. Clair, and Charlotte Vanderpool, each of whom added joy to her family's story.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin Blair Yerkey and Edna Pearl Wright Yerkey; her sister, Janet Harley and her husband, Tom; and her brothers, David Yerkey and Dwayne Yerkey.

The family will receive friends Thursday, September 24, 2026 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm EDT at Gompf Funeral Service - Crestline Chapel, 223 W. Main St., Crestline. There will be an hour of visitation from 10:00am to 11:00am EDT on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the funeral home. A funeral service will be held immediately following with Rev. Jenny Whitmore officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery.

There will be no visitation or services held in Cookeville.

The family kindly asks that those who attend services dress in colorful clothing in celebration of the life Joyce lived.

Joyce will be remembered with love by all who knew her and by the family she cherished so deeply. Her memory will remain a lasting comfort to those she leaves behind.

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, in care of the funeral home.

Dyer Chapel Hooper-Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements (931)526-7158. You may share condolences and memories at www.dyerfh.com