Joyce Edwards McAlister

Mrs. Joyce Edwards McAlister, 78 of Mebane, NC peacefully passed away on December 28, 2020.

Born at Duke Hospital in Durham NC on September 8, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Lemuel Allen Edwards Sr. and Nancy Brantley Edwards of Graham, NC. The following poem from Proverbs 31 provides a wonderful insight into Joyce’s life:

Joyce was a VALIANT woman; her roots were firmly planted. She was a JOYFUL woman for whom laughter was not a stranger. She was a STRONG woman whose heart and arms withstand the pressures and the worries that each day unfolds. She was a PATIENT woman waiting through the storm and night for new life, new growth and a rich harvest. She was a LOVING woman, ever giving and forgiving, ever caring and concerned and she was a SHARING woman who with arms outstretched, gives her gifts and treasures to those both near and far.

Earlier in her life, Joyce was a loving, working mom to her sons. She led by example. Work hard, study hard, be respectful of others and play fair.  Joyce spent most of her adult career working in the Information Technology department for the City of Burlington.  She retired after 30 years of dedicated service.  Joyce was a dedicated Christian lady and a member of the First Baptist Church of Haw River. Over the years, she became very involved with the church including being a member of the church choir and budget committee. In her spare time, she loved to be outside gardening and caring for her many beautiful flowers.  Each spring and summer, the vibrant colors from her careful attention would blossom.  Spending time with her family brought her much joy.  Joyce loved walking on the beach with her grandchildren looking for exotic seashells that had washed up the night before or looking keenly in the sand for the elusive sand dollar.  When they found one, you could hear them say MawMaw Joyce, come look at this one.  Her beach trips allowed her to enjoy the solitude and friendship in fishing as well.  She could bait a hook and catch fish with the best of them.   Joyce always took pride in the way things looked and where things belong.  Everything had a place and she would be sure to remind you when you didn’t put something in the correct place.  Joyce was a planner and was never one to miss a birthday card, holiday gift or thank you note.   She was ever the thoughtful person both inside and out.   Through her many wonderful years, Joyce had gained a strong group of friends and her closest girlfriends were a big part of her life. They traveled together, shared laughs and stories together and genuinely loved and enjoyed one another.   Joyce will be missed, loved and remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend. A special place in heaven is given to people like Joyce.

Surviving family include her two sons, Kevin Dean (Lea) and Rick J. Dean (Tina); her sister, Judy Edwards Dunkley (Eddie) and her brother, Darnell Edwards. Joyce is also survived by stepsons, Jeff McAlister (Laurie), Matt McAlister (Sharon) and Jamie McAlister.   Joyce rejoiced and adored her 7 loving grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Duffie E. McAlister and her brothers, Jackie Edwards and Lemuel A. Edwards Jr.

Friends and loved ones may pay their final respects to Mrs. McAlister on Tuesday January 5, 2021 from 12:00 Noon until 5:00 PM at McClure Funeral Service in Graham, NC.  A private family only graveside service will be held at Alamance Memorial Park in Burlington, NC.

In lieu of flowers, contributions and donations may be made in Joyce’s memory to The Shriners Hospital for Children, 950 W. Faris Rd, Greenville, SC 29605 or the Masonic Home For Children at Oxford, 600 College St, Oxford, NC 27565

The family plans to hold a celebration of life later in 2021 where friends and family will gather to remember this extraordinary lady. Condolences may be offered at www.mcclurefuneralservice.net

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