Joyce Kerns Locklear

Joyce Kerns Locklear, 78, of Lumberton returned to Heaven on Monday, April 29th while sleeping with her “girls” by her side and in the care of the compassionate staff at the Southeastern Hospice House.

She was born April 17, 1935, and was the second child and only daughter of Riley Wesley Kerns and Lizzie Emanuel Kerns. On September 7, 1952, she married John Hugh Locklear and during over 60 years together, they raised three generations of children.

Joyce was a retiree of Converse Footwear Company after a 30-year career where she was employed as the Manager of the Training Room. Upon retirement, Joyce took up gardening and exercise. She became a volunteer/member of the Lifestyles Fitness Center and met many new friends as she developed a love of Line Dancing and Zumba. She served as a member of the Piney Grove Elementary School Advisory Committee and the Saddletree Community Center Board. Joyce also loved to travel with her family and vacationed in Cancun, Mexico, Hilton Head Island, the Grand Canyon and Hawaii. During her last trip to Hawaii she took a flight above Kilauea, an active volcano. Joyce was able to maintain a very active lifestyle until becoming ill on May 29, 2012.

In addition to her husband, John H. Locklear, she is survived by six daughters, Iris Davila of Tampa, FL, Mickey Locklear (Robert Moore) of Rocky Mount, Pamela Locklear of Red Springs, Melody White (Nolan) of Lumberton, Chasity Hunt of Tampa, FL and Taylor of the home; eleven grandchildren, Juan Carter, Mario Carter, Emilio Zapata and Tiano Zapata all of Tampa, FL, Dr. Shandal Emanuel of Rocky Mount, JohnCarroll Emanuel of Providence, RI, Jermaine Lockee, Meko Lockee and Meghann Locklear all of Red Springs and Recko Brooks of Lumberton and 19 great-grandchildren. Also, she is survived by a brother, Reverend Chalmers Kerns (Shirley), a step-father, Howard Porter, a step-brother, Delton Porter, a sister-in-law, Helen Kerns, numerous nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives.

She was preceded in death by a son, Keno Carroll Locklear in addition to her parents and a brother, Tony Kerns.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Hwy 301 and Rennert Road on Thursday, May 2, 2013. Burial will follow at the Locklear Family Cemetery on Shannon Road in Lumberton.