Joyce Haywood

In loving memory of our mother, Joyce Haywood, 95, who passed peacefully in her sleep surrounded by family at her home on February 22,2023. She was born in York, Pennsylvania to the late Lewis Gustavus Decorcey and Rebecca Arter Decourcey. She attended Allegheny College prior to joining the U.S. Marine Corps in 1954 where she married the rebel and fellow marine, Herbert E. Haywood, she once had to chase from the dance hall when he decided to make a grand entrance by riding his motorcycle onto the floor. They went on to enjoy 52 loving years together. She was a strong woman who faced every challenge in her life with courage and dignity. Through the years she remained a faithful woman who loved the lord, her family, fur babies and church. When she returned to North Carolina in 2009, she began attending Ridgecrest Baptist Church, and the Joy Club who quickly became family.

Growing up she discovered her passion for music, she played the piano, organ, violin and even the accordion. She enjoyed playing for church service , singing in the choir and could tear up a dance floor. She enjoyed crocheting and a good laugh. Music became a source of comfort especially during her later years as she lost her sight in 2013 and mobility. At any moment you would hear her say “Jeff, let’s take a trip” and they would break out into their favorite song “ The Ole Gospel Ship”.

Joyce was survived by her son Michael Haywood, her daughter Kimberly Shoe and husband Jeff; grandchildren, Brandon Shoe and wife Betzy, Justin Shoe and wife Jenny, Shawna Butler and husband Bobby, Joe Haywood; great grandchildren, Ashton Shoe, Rico Haywood and Jaxon Butler(Louise), Drako Haywood(Jessica), Chloe, Gaige, and Lucas Haywood(Candice) ; great great grandchildren Jazelle Haywood, and Oakley Mae Haywood.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, Ruth, Robert and Lewis Decourcey. Her husband, and son Lee Haywood.

We know that god is pleased to have one of his kind and generous angels back in his arms where she belongs. She will be sorely missed by those who love her. A graveside service will be held at 9:00am on Wednesday, March 1st at Dayton National Cemetery in Dayton, Ohio.