Joyce Niebell O'Briant

Joyce Niebell O’Briant, affectionately known as “Nana” by her five precious grandchildren and two adored great grandchildren, peacefully entered God’s kingdom on the evening of Saturday, June 3rd, 2023 at the age of ninety. Born in Washington D.C. on February 27th, 1933 to Helen and Ralph Niebell, Joyce lived in many places during her lifetime, including Ohio, Louisiana, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Connecticut, Montana and Nicaragua before settling in Greensboro in 2007.

Joyce attended George Washington University and met the late Paul William O’Briant, Jr. on a blind date. They married on November 2nd, 1951 and subsequently had four beautiful children. She was a loving, devoted, hard working wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, care giver and friend to all. The center of Joyce’s universe was her beloved family and menagerie of treasured pets, including dogs, cats, snakes and rabbits, which Joyce would frequently chase around the neighborhood!

Joyce embodied so many special and memorable qualities and talents. She was well known and admired for her wicked sense of humor, passion for all animals and animal welfare, her profound love of reading, watching movies, investing in the stockmarket, following the latest fashion trends and for her vast knowledge of the most flattering cosmetics and high performing skin care products. She was also a formidable Scrabble player and was always up for the challenge of a good game.

Joyce’s happiest times were spent with family and friends, enjoying the beach and the family home on Cape Hatteras Island. She was an excellent cook, thoughtful hostess, and was passionate about nutrition, always preparing healthy, well balanced meals for her children and grandchildren. But she could also bake a mean chocolate sheet cake and 7-up cake, which was always a treat! As the children grew, Joyce decided to go out into the workforce, and for a time worked with the White House Conference on Ageing. She also held a position at Johnston, Lemon & Co., advising young brokers on building wealth in the stock market. Whatever Joyce endeavored to do, she did it well, and her loyalty and generosity toward all was unparalleled. A strong, caring, steadfast, resilient and wise family matriarch, Joyce blessed us immeasurably by her loving (and often hilarious) presence in our hearts, thoughts and memories.

Joyce was predeceased by her husband Paul, and sons Marshall Singleton O’Briant and Paul William “Billy” O’Briant, III.

She is survived by her son, Douglas Stewart O’Briant and his wife Allison; daughter Lisa Allen Piornack, husband Nick Piornack and step daughter Alexis Piornack; grandchildren Blair Mastantuno and her husband Allen, Billy Allen and his wife Susan O’Dea, Maddie O’Briant, Brooke O’Briant and her fiancee Timothy Becker, Jenny Allen and her fiancee Ferrell Sloan; great grandchildren Liam and Laney Mastantuno; extended family members, Nancy Ashton and her husband Bert, Paula Tidwell and her husband Steve, Brenda Glenn and her husband Jack, Betty Heafner, Cindy Heafner, Allie Glenn and her husband Peter Martinez, and John Allen, as well as countless other friends and family members who meant the world to her.

Joyce’s family would also like to acknowledge and Thank all of her amazing caregivers and the staff at Well Spring, especially Holly, Sue, Misti, Karlene, Keisha, Yolanda, Eleanor the “African Queen”, Laurie, Kay in Security, David in the dining room, Laura the med tech, as well as numerous others who cared for and tended to Joyce so lovingly. Last, but certainly not least, a Special Thank You to Joyce’s personal trainer, friend and head cheerleader, Karen Simmers. She loved you all so much!

A Celebration of Life Service will be held for Joyce on Friday morning, July 21st, 2023 at 10:30 in the main sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, 617 North Elm Street, Greensboro, N.C. 27401. Livestream will be available by clicking the 'Join Livestream' button in the service information below.

In lieu of flowers, Joyce’s family would like to suggest memorial contributions to: Juliet’s House, Attn: Susan Deaton, 1111 Monticello Street, Greensboro, N.C. 27410 or go to julietshouse. org to make a donation, or The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, P.O. Box 393, Hohenwald, TN 38462, (931) 796-6500 or go to elephants.com to make a donation. Thank You.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be made through www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com.