Joyce and her husband Jack moved to Dallas in 1976. After Jack’s passing in 1982, she began her 32-year career with Covenant Village. Joyce was a member of the original staff when they first opened their doors, and she loved serving the residents. She retired at the age of 77 and moved to be closer to her family in Cornelius. Once there she was devoted to spending time with her grandson Jeffrey Ryan Lanford, until his passing in 2016.
Joyce loved working in the yard and kept it pristine. She also enjoyed spending time with her “grand dogs,” Inca and Amai and her cat Tigger. She enjoyed going to the farmers markets, trying new restaurants, and going to church. She also enjoyed having fresh flowers in her home – with dahlias being her favorite.
Joyce was easy to be around, and she cared deeply for the people around her. She made friends easily when she moved, and neighbors came to rely on her to keep things tidy.
Surviving her are children and their spouses Terry Pittman (Wendy) and Jacqueline Bassett (Nelson). Also surviving her are sisters Judie Barker (Ron) and Jennie Burns.
A service celebrating Joyce will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at Carothers Funeral Home, 2205 Williamsburg Drive in Gastonia, NC. Visitation with the family will precede the service at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at Gaston Memorial Park. Dr. Mark Harris of Trinity Baptist Church in Mooresville, NC will speak and offer words of encouragement and hope as we celebrate the life of Joyce.
Joyce was a supporter of Colorado Shiba Inu Rescue and The International 22q11.2 Foundation. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to these organizations at:
https://coloradoshibainurescue.org/how-you-can-help/donate/ (PO Box 472912, Aurora, CO 80047) or https://22q.org/donate/ (PO Box 532, Matawan, NJ 07747).
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com for the Pittman Family.
