JOYCE H. EDWARDS
Sept. 29, 1929-Feb. 21, 2015
Susan Joyce Holmes Edwards, 85, Kinston, peacefully passed to her eternal home Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015.
The oldest of nine children, Joyce was born Sept. 29, 1929, in Wayne County to the late Nerius Carr Holmes Sr. and Naomi Johnson Holmes.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, John Ira Edwards, and a sister, Merle H. Foss.
Loving and caring by nature, Joyce always placed others before herself, and her concern for others was exhibited in all she did.
She cherished her family, and looked forward to when her family was all together. She loved cooking, baking cakes, quilting, sewing and traveling. Her life set an example for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren that will lead them all their lives.
Joyce retired from Caswell Center, and was a member of LaGrange First Free Will Baptist Church.
A service to celebrate and honor Joyce's life will be held Monday, Feb. 23, 2015, at 6 p.m. at Rouse Funeral Home, with the Rev. Ronnie V. Hobgood and Dr. Curtis Rains officiating. A committal service will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Pinelawn Memorial Park.
Joyce is survived by five children, Rachel Rains and husband, Curtis, of Kinston, Sue Slaughter and husband, Pete, of New Bern, Jane Stutts and husband, Donald, of Archdale, Keith Edwards and wife, Mary Jane, of Kinston and Joy Smith and husband, Breen, of LaGrange; seven grandchildren, Greg White, Kim Waters, Heather Stanley, Donnie Stutts, Joshua Stutts, Johnathan Edwards and Donovan Harper; eight great-grandchildren, Hatch Fountain, Katy Fountain, Justin Taylor, Abbie Stutts, Carlynne Stutts, Nora Stutts, Savannah White and Evan Harper; four sisters, Margaret Haddock and husband, Cleveland, of Chocowinity, Elaine Tyndall and husband, Melton, of LaGrange, Fay Letchworth of LaGrange and Brenda Strickland and husband, George, of Kinston; three brothers, N.C. Holmes Jr. and wife, Virginia, Gerald Holmes and wife, Nell, and Royce Holmes and wife, Elsie, all of LaGrange; along with two special cousins, Dean Johnson and wife, Edna, and Bryce Johnson and wife, Nelda, all of LaGrange.
The family will receive friends Monday following the service and at other times, it will be at the home of Curtis and Rachel Rains, 2272 Autumn Drive, Kinston.
Memorials may be made to LaGrange First Free Will Baptist Church, 802 S. Caswell St., LaGrange, N.C., 28551; Alzheimers North Carolina, 1305 Navaho Drive, Suite 101, Raleigh, N.C., 27609; Community Hospice, 1201 Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro, N.C., 27534; or your church of choice.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com.
Arrangements are with Rouse Funeral Home of LaGrange.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on February 23, 2015 1:50 PM