June 5, 2022, 87, La Grange –

Mary Joyce Jones Sutton, 87, passed away peacefully at Kitty Askins Hospice Center on Sunday, June 5, 2022.

Joyce was born in Lenoir County on April 17, 1935 to the late Ellis Jones, Sr and Ella O’Dell Carter Jones. At her core, she was an educator. Joyce graduated from Rowan Memorial Hospital School of Nursing as an RN and later from East Carolina University. She was a passionate teacher of the Bible, health occupations, math, science and more. Joyce had a gift for sharing her knowledge with others. Many have been positively impacted by her instruction in the health care field.

Joyce’s faith was top priority in her life. Early in her adult life, she worshiped and served the Lord at Garris Chapel Church, teaching adult Sunday School, singing and loving others. Later, she served as a deacon of Living Waters Fellowship where she continued to teach Sunday School and sing. She used her giftedness for the Lord and lived for Jesus with her all. For Joyce, this meant making sure her children were at church as they grew up. But it also meant she did not judge others or force anything on anyone. She simply offered God’s love, grace and knowledge of His Word. This love started early in her life. Her mama made sure she could get to church and Vacation Bible School regardless of where they found themselves. She had a hunger and thirst for the Lord. This only grew stronger as she matured in her faith.

Joyce was a faithful wife, supporting and loving her husband, James, until his death. She was a mother who had a powerful influence and shared a passion for knowledge with her children. She adored her grandbabies and didn’t miss an opportunity to show them love and support. As the Bible teaches, Joyce’s children rise up and call her blessed.

There was one passion that many did not realize Joyce had – she was a serious fan of the Atlanta Braves. She caught all of the games and knew all of the stats. She kept up with what was going on and knew when trades were coming. Joyce did get to experience the great excitement of watching the Braves win the World Series Championship last year! Her love of baseball came from listening to the games on the radio with her Daddy as a child. They visited Kinston together to watch games as well. It was their special connection and one she never lost.

A Graveside Service to celebrate Joyce’s life will be held on Thursday, June 9, 2022 at 10 am at Fairview Cemetery with Rev Ronnie Hobgood officiating. Visitation will be held at Rouse Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 8, 2022 from 5 pm to 7 pm.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James Allen Sutton Sr; and her brothers, Ellis Jones, Jr, Harvey Carter Jones, and Milton Forrest Jones. She is survived by her children, Jamison S Griffin (Lindsey), Jan S Measley (Luby), and James Allen Sutton Jr (Jennifer); her grandchildren, Allen Heath Sutton (fiancé, Caroline Casey) and Olivia Evelyn Sutton; her step grandchildren, Brianna Griffin Gee (George) and Kelly Griffin Smith (Kevin); Sisters-in-law, Annie Laura Casey, Linda S Foss (Jimmy Carr), Jackie Price, and Frankie Jones; along with many nieces and nephews and 7 step great-grandchildren.

A special thank you to those who have gone above and beyond to care for Joyce – Lynda Sanderson, Jo Lynn Bishop and Susie Hooks.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Kitty Askins Hospice Center with 3HC or to the Gideon’s (Joyce always donated a Bible in memory of loved ones). Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange