Monday, April 13, 2026
Lynne Joyce Photo Courtesy: Brevard College
Lynne Caudle Joyce, 66, of Brevard, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026. She held the rare distinction of serving as first lady at four colleges, including Brevard College from 2012 to 2021, alongside her husband, the Rev. Dr. David C. Joyce.
Mrs. Joyce was born Oct. 11, 1959, in Albemarle, N.C. Throughout her childhood, she lived in several communities across the region due to her father’s role as a high school principal and basketball coach, ultimately settling in Salisbury, N.C., where she graduated from East Rowan High School.
In the 1980s, Lynne lived in Gastonia, N.C., and worked for Duke Power when a mutual friend set her up on a blind date with David Joyce, then a chaplain at Pfeiffer College in Misenheimer, N.C. On an early date, David took her to a Pfeiffer basketball game, only to discover her parents had played there and her brother also attended the college. Their connection deepened and on March 2, 1985, they were married at the Pfeiffer College chapel.
The Joyces’ shared career in higher education began at Pfeiffer College. They later moved to Nashville, Tenn. for their time at Vanderbilt University, followed by leadership work with the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. Subsequent roles took them to Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio, and Union College in Barbourville, Ken. where David served as president from 1996 to 2003.
After their service at Union College, the Joyces continued their leadership in higher education at Ripon College from 2003 to 2012, before ultimately arriving at Brevard College.
In 2012, the Joyces came to Brevard where David served as president and Lynne as first lady until their retirement in 2021. Their connection to Western North Carolina long predated their tenure, as the mountains had been a place of personal significance to the couple for many years. In a moment often recalled by friends and colleagues, they were traveling to the region when they received the call that would ultimately bring them to Brevard.
During their time at Brevard College, the Joyces made a major impact by restoring financial stability, accelerating enrollment growth, and strengthening student retention at the College. Lynne brought her expertise in executive coaching and leadership development to students, faculty, and staff, offering training, mentorship, and guidance across the campus community.
Lynne also played an important role in shaping the look and feel of campus spaces, contributing to the interior design of facilities including Stanback Hall and the Center Village residence area. Known for her hospitality, she frequently opened her home for campus and community gatherings and was a driving force for the annual Friends of Fine Arts Gala.
Choosing Brevard as their home, the Joyces also remained deeply engaged post-retirement with Brevard College where they supported campus events ranging from athletics to the arts to academics. Lynne continued to provide executive coaching services to staff and faculty as well as the annual etiquette dinner for students
Lynne Joyce is survived by her husband, the Rev. Dr. David C. Joyce; daughter Anna Joyce Bracco; son-in-law Nicolas Bracco; grandsons Lucas and William Bracco; brother Terry Caudle; sister-in-law Julia Caudle; nephew Kris Caudle and wife Danielle; and aunt Lynette Hartsell and wife Laurie Fuchs.
A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, April 26, at 1:30 p.m. at the Paul Porter Center for Performing Arts, on the campus of Brevard College. For the event, the Porter Center will open at noon. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to share memories prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Brevard College (One Brevard College Drive, Brevard, NC 28712) in support of a forthcoming outdoor campus project honoring Lynne Joyce’s memory and celebrating her many contributions to both the College and the community of Brevard.