November 8, 2022, 79, Goldsboro –
Joyce Carroll Parks, 79, exchanged her earthly life for the splendor of seeing her Lord face-to-face on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. Joyce was born in Wayne County to the late Millard Hubert Carroll and Isabelle Thompson Carroll. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Elton J. Parks, on September 23, 2022.
The family was Joyce’s ultimate joy. Married to Elton for over 58 years, the two raised their boys in a Christian home teaching love, respect, and the value of hard work. When grandchildren came along, Joyce added the title of “Granny” to her list of endearments as her heart filled with even more love to share. Each held a special place in her life, and she was sure to attend every event in which they participated. Given a nickname at a young age by her grandfather, many family and friends affectionately referred to Joyce as “Tilty”.
Joyce worshiped her Lord and Savior at Hood Swamp Friends. She served there as long as her health would allow. But her heart and prayers were always with the fellowship. Joyce’s life overflowed with the things she loved the most – Elton, her family, and God.
Employed with Lori Manufacturing for over 20 years, Joyce continued employment serving the staff and students in the cafeteria of Charles B. Aycock High School for over 15 years. Her love of cooking inspired her to also work part-time with Stonewall’s Grill and then as a faithful employee of George’s Grill for over 20 years.
Truly a great cook, all of her family and friends benefited from her generous offerings of meals. Known as an excellent baker, her cakes and desserts were the perfect endings to any meal. Always striving to be the best at whatever she attempted, she took cake decorating classes at Wayne Community College. She won many first-place ribbons over the years from her famous creations that she entered into the County Fair.
Utilizing her skills in the kitchen as a gift of love, Joyce was always sharing food with those in her community. Loving to spend time with family and friends, those whom she visited often benefited from her delightful conversation and delectable desserts.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 12, 2022, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home followed by a service to celebrate Joyce’s life at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel with her son, Mike Parks, pastor of Free Gospel Church officiating. The interment will be in Wayne Memorial Park.
Joyce is survived by her sons, Ken Parks and wife, Glenda and Mike Parks and wife, Danette; grandchildren, Chloe Cooke and husband, Kyle, Bailey Parks, Jacob Wheeler, and Adam Wheeler; sister, Geraldine Brown, and husband, Gerald; and her niece, Caroline Brown, whom she loved like a daughter. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Jesse Parks; sisters-in-law, Rebecca King and Esther Yuraitis; and several nieces and nephews she loved very much.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be given in his memory to Hood Swamp Friends Church or to Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro, NC 27534.
Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
