September 16, 2025, 79, Goldsboro —
Joy Beth Massengill Whitfield, 79, was welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior early Tuesday morning, September 16, 2025, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center, surrounded by the love of her family.
Joy was born in Johnston County on June 3, 1946, to the late Everett Massengill and Christine Honeycutt Batten. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her stepfather, Willie H. Batten, and her brother, Kenneth Wayne Massengill.
Raised on the historic grounds of Bentonville Battleground, Joy carried a deep sense of heritage and faith throughout her life. She dedicated her career to caring for others, first serving as an X-ray technician at UNC Johnston Healthcare in Smithfield for 20 years. With a compassionate vision for women’s health, she was instrumental in establishing the mammography program at Wayne Radiology, where she worked another 20 years. Her work was more than a job—it was a ministry of service, meeting people with kindness, comfort, and dignity in their moments of need.
Joy was a devoted member of St. Luke United Methodist Church, where she faithfully served in the kitchen preparing meals and refreshments for countless church events and gatherings. She also shared her love of fellowship and fun as a member of the Sugarfoot Shag Club, which she herself had named.
More than her many accomplishments, Joy’s greatest love was found in her family. A loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she cherished every moment spent with them. Her name could not have been more fitting—for Joy brought light, love, and kindness to all who knew her. She lived her life with a giving heart, always helping others without expectation of anything in return.
The family will receive friends on Friday, September 19, 2025 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall of St. Luke United Methodist Church. A service celebrating Joy’s life will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary with Pastor Karl Grant and Pastor Adam Seate officiating. Interment will be in the Mill Creek Christian Church Cemetery.
Joy is survived by her husband of 42 years, Al Whitfield; her daughter, Laura Whitfield Shearer and husband, James; and her beloved grandchildren, Walker James Shearer and Olivia Joy Shearer. She is also survived by brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Rex Whitfield, Doyle and Susan Whitfield, Olivia Pierce, and Roy and Eileen Whitfield; along with several nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. Joy was also blessed with dear friends who were like family: Laura Ann Waters, Billy and Nancy Reaves, and Mary Lena Canupp.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love and kindness shown to Joy during her journey. A special word of thanks is given to the compassionate caregivers who walked alongside her in recent years. The family is especially grateful to the dedicated teams at 3HC, Gentiva, and Kitty Askins Hospice Center, whose gentle care and unwavering support brought great comfort to Joy and her loved ones in her final months.
Flowers are welcome, or memorials may be made in Joy’s memory to St. Luke United Methodist Church, 1608 E. Pine Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530 or to Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro, NC 27534.
Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
