Joyce Maria Person

Joyce Maria Person, beloved daughter of the late Henry Robert Person and Mattie Belle Dunston Person, passed away on December 13, 2025, at Maria Parham Medical Center, surrounded by her family.

Joyce was born in Vance County, North Carolina, on October 6, 1961, and grew up in the Gillburg community. She attended Rowland Chapel Christian Church in the Epsom Community and was an active participant in Risen Faith Outreach Ministry. She valued her education within the Franklin and Vance County Public School Systems and carried a lifelong love of learning and service.

A woman of remarkable strength and boundless compassion, Joyce lived by a simple, powerful creed: she would do anything for anybody. She carried that creed into every relationship, every moment, and every act of kindness. Whether helping a neighbor in need, lending an ear to a friend, or offering a comforting word to a stranger, Joyce’s generosity knew no bounds.

Professionally, Joyce contributed to her community through her work with MR Williams Distributing Company, where she served with dedication as an Order Picker. Her work ethic reflected her larger life philosophy: show up, give your best, and uplift others through steady, dependable care.

Joyce’s greatest joy was her family. She cherished spending time with her grandchildren, nieces, great-nieces, nephews, and extended family. Her hobbies reflected her vibrant spirit: shopping, driving with the windows down and the music up, playing spades, and simply enjoying a good time with loved ones. Her warmth and laughter brightened every room, and her presence was a steadfast source of love and comfort.

She was preceded in death by her father, Henry Robert Person, and her mother, Mattie Belle Dunston Person; a brother, Jessie A. Person; sisters Essie P. Fogg and Arcelia P. Miles; a child, Robert S. Person; and a grandson, Adonious Hawkins Jr. Joyce leaves to cherish her memory three children: Nakayah Person, Shandalin Person, and Yasmina Person; one brother, Lem Person; two sisters, Emma Terry and Bettie Jordan; eleven grandchildren—Maj., Kay Kay, Ni Ni, Mari, Pot, Bean, J Bird, Taylor, Alani, CorRynn, and others—along with a special friend and the love of her life for 24 years, Clarence Hargrove. She also leaves a devoted goddaughter, Jordyn Henry, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends who were touched by her kindness and strength.

Joyce’s legacy endures in the lives she touched: a reminder that one person’s unwavering generosity can light the way for many. Her family and friends will carry forward her spirit of resilience, her love for her community, and her fearless commitment to lifting others.

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