08/24/11 — JOYCE WILLIAMS GARRIS

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JOYCE WILLIAMS GARRIS

JOYCE WILLIAMS GARRIS

Died Aug. 23, 2011

Joyce Williams Garris, 80, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed peacefully Tuesday morning at Willow Creek in Goldsboro, N.C., following a brief illness.

Mrs. Garris treasured her family and friends and the time spent with them.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday evening, Aug. 24, 2011, at 7 p.m. at New Hope Friends Church, with pastor Bill Garner officiating.

The family will receive friends following the service.

Daughter of the late Lucky Earl and Ellen Whitley Williams, Mrs. Garris grew up in the Elroy community, graduating from New Hope High School.

A lifetime member of New Hope Friends Church, Mrs. Garris was a devoted member of the choir and the United Society of Friends Women.

Mrs. Garris and her late husband, Jarvis, spent numerous years volunteering at Wayne Memorial Hospital. She used her energy and natural talents in service to others.

An unselfish woman, Mrs. Garris volunteered many hours for many years with various programs, including Meals on Wheels, sharing a warm smile and encouraging word along the way. Her outstanding service and generosity was noted by naming her the Meals on Wheels Volunteer of the Year.

Mrs. Garris is survived by two daughters, Ann Smith and husband, Jerry, and Sarah Lane and husband, Ricky; three grandchildren, Amanda Bonds and husband, Doug, of Greenville, Jeff Smith and wife, Leighann, of Clayton and Susan Rivera and husband, Tomas, of Pikeville; three great-grandchildren, Tyler Bonds, Vann Smith and Ty Smith; four brothers, Farrell, Alton and wife, Evelyn, George and wife, Sue, and Brent Williams and wife, Marsha, all of Wayne County; a sister, Mildred Smith of Seven Springs; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Her beloved husband of 54 years, Jarvis Garris; a grandson, Rick Lane; and her siblings Earl, Frazier, Bob and Marie, preceded her in death.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Hope Friends Church, 4551 U.S. 70 East, Goldsboro, N.C., 27534.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.

(Pd)

Published in Obituaries on August 24, 2011 1:48 PM