1938
2016
"If You Could See Me Now, I'm Walking Streets of Gold, If You Could See Me Now, I'm Standing Tall and Whole"… These lyrics best describe how Joyce Ann Ivey Rawls, age 77 who passed away on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at the Gaston Care and Rehabilitation in Gastonia, North Carolina knowing that she is with her Lord and Savior and her pain's erased. She leaves her message to her family that they wouldn't want her to leave this place now that she has seen His face…. Joyce loved her gospel music and watching church services on television every Sunday morning. She was known as a sweet-a-holic. Butter Pecan ice cream and frozen yogurt was her favorite. A lady who loved her family dearly and loved to tell them stories about her earlier years of life. She collected pig figurines. Joyce was a supporter of the "Wounded Warriors Foundation", loved following her politics and was an ally for the disabled.
Joyce was the daughter of the late Fred Ivey and Ina Miller Ivey. She was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years William C.J. Rawls II, who passed away in 1995 along with one daughter; Angela Landreth who passed away in 2011.
Joyce is survived by her daughter and son in law: Devi and William Hunter; granddaughter: (daughter of the late Angela Landreth) Shelby Short and great granddaughter: Angela Grace Keller all of Mount Holly, North Carolina; one sister: Laura Valentine of Tallahassee, Florida; two brothers and one sister in law: Fred Jr. and Joanne Ivey of Chandler, North Carolina, Mackie Ivey of Swannanoa, North Carolina.
A memorial service celebrating the life of Joyce will be held at 3:00 PM on Thursday, March 17, 2016 at Carothers Funeral Home Chapel 412 South Main Street, Stanley, North Carolina 28164 with Reverend Edward Reese to officiate.
Receiving of friends will be from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM prior to the service
.
Those wishing to express words of sympathy and condolences may visit Joyce's guest book at www.carothersfuneralhomestanley.com
Carothers Funeral Home of Stanley is honored to serve the Rawls family during their time of loss.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Devi Hunter - daughter.
March 7, 2019
Friend
BJ Roberts
I have had Joyce in my thoughts these past years and it still saddens my heart. Joyce was the foundation of a loving family and was a major strength with her soft spoken voice which was a comfort to all.
March 20, 2016
Kasey Keller
I only knew Joyce for a small fraction of her life, but in that time the love, affection, and passion her family had for her just showed how great her love was. Peace be with you Joyce. I love you.
March 16, 2016
Wilma Miller
I can still hear your laughter from the switchboard where we worked together at Gulf Coast Community College. It could be heard up and down the halls and would be contagious!! You were such a great friend. I love you and will miss you until I see you again. My sympathy and love to all the family
March 15, 2016
Deanna Argenio May
I spent seven wonderful years in Joyce's company. However I'd known her as an acquaintance from the time her granddaughter Shelby and my daughter were children. When I began to know Joyce well it took a few years to stop calling her Mimi. It simply had become second nature from speaking with the children. Joyce was okay with it, but the designation really was reserved for the kids and she said it made her feel old. I poo-pah'd that notion because love, enthusiasm, and lively conversation were a huge part of every conversation we entered into. Joyce had much wisdom to share and I ate it up as fast as I ate her banana bread and chicken salad.
Joyce's presence is deeply ingrained in my being. She will remain alive in me forever. Because just like every member of the Rawls' family line, whether by blood or marriage.....each, has touched my life with warmth, endurance, and a spry spirit all families should envy. You may see me less than what deserves a thought, but you are in mine often and I love you.
Joyce, I thank the heavens for your being.
March 15, 2016
Angela (sissy) mcelreath
I know I didnt get to see you but we did talk on the phone a lot. Mimi I am gonna miss your caring words and your sense of humor. I know you are with our heavenly father and are no longer in pain, that puts my mind at ease but not my heart. I love you mimi now you rest in peace and watch over us..forever in our hearts!!!
March 14, 2016
BJ Roberts
I have a heavy heart for the loss of an outstanding and lovely woman. I remember the first time I met her and Bill I was so nervous but she made feel at ease and was very pleasant and had me feeling welcome. I have loved everyone in this family and life is too short when it seems the special people in your heart pass so quickly. I am thankful to have had those precious moments with Joyce over a span of 5 different decades, though too few they were. God bless Joyce and the family.....
March 14, 2016
Debi Briggs
I love you Mom Joyce. Rest in Peace.
March 14, 2016
Debi Briggs
Mom Joyce, you were always like a second mother to me and I will always cherish the fond memories I have of you. You will be So missed by everyone who knew your kind soul. Rest in peace till we see you again. Love, your other daughter, Debi, aka Boog.
March 13, 2016
Patricia and Ron Litteral
Joyce you were an amazing lady.Rest in peace.. .Sending prayers ..
March 13, 2016
Vivian Fuller
Joyce was a wonderful woman, a woman of strength and courage and a great friend. She will be sorely missed by all that knew her. Grace and Peace to all the family she leaves behind. RIP Joyce!
March 12, 2016
Shelby Short
Mimi, I can't remember a time in my life I didn't have you. It's going to be difficult to move forward not having you physically here. You gave me advice and comfort when I needed it and you were/are one of my heroes. I know you are in a much better place and are with mom now too and ultimately I'm happy for that as I know you've been waiting to go be with her and God for a while now. I love you Mimi and will miss you dearly. Angela Grace will hear lots about her grandmother and great-grandmother. Till we see each other again <3
March 12, 2016
Devi Hunter
Mom, I know how tired you were and how much pain you were in every second of every day. God has released you from the pain and grief of this earthly world and has taken you to your heavenly home. I know in my head that you are so happy now. You are walking, running and dancing. There is no more pain or confusion. God has given you you're strong, healthy body and clear sharp mind. You are with everyone one you loved and who went before you. So why doesn't my heart understand? My heart wants you here with me. It is filled with sorrow and a empty place. That part of my heart went with you when you left us. I love you more that words could ever express and I will miss you with each breath I draw. Only when we are reunited will that empty place be filled.
Go with God, mom. Be at peace in paradise. No one deserves it more than you.
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