June 30, 2026, 101, Goldsboro – Joyce Aycock Pope, 101, peacefully went to be with her Lord on Tuesday afternoon while surrounded by the love of her family at Brookdale Country Day Road. Born in Wayne County on April 13, 1925, Joyce was the daughter of the late Lester Barnes Aycock, Sr. and Cora Hines Aycock. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Ellis Pope; her grandson, Eric James Crawford; her brothers, Charles E. Aycock and Alex H. Aycock; and her sister, Ella Mae Santino.
Joyce lived a beautiful life marked by unwavering faith, quiet strength, and a servant’s heart. She faithfully put Christ and her family at the center of everything she did, finding her greatest joy in caring for those she loved and sharing kindness with everyone she met.
Before dedicating herself to her home and family, Joyce worked for Johnson-Sherman Company. She embraced the role of homemaker with grace and devotion, creating a warm and welcoming home where love was always evident. She possessed a remarkable talent for sewing and needlepoint, and her handiwork became treasured gifts for countless friends, neighbors, and loved ones throughout the Nahunta community. Her hands were rarely still, and every stitch reflected the love she had for others.
Joyce was the last surviving member of the Nahunta School Class of 1942, a distinction she cherished. She always looked forward to class reunions and the opportunity to reminisce with lifelong friends about treasured memories and simpler days.
A longtime and faithful member of Nahunta Friends Church, Joyce used her many gifts in service to her church and to the Lord. Whether through acts of kindness, caring for others, or simply offering words of encouragement, she faithfully reflected God’s love throughout her life.
For the past seven years, Brookdale Country Day Road became Joyce’s home, where she was affectionately known as the matriarch of the community. She looked after both residents and staff with the same loving spirit that had defined her entire life, always making sure things were done right and offering a caring presence to those around her. Among her favorite activities was Bingo, and she rarely missed an afternoon game. She especially enjoyed the excitement of hearing her number called and celebrating a win with the friends she had grown to love.
Though Joyce leaves behind many who will deeply miss her, her family finds comfort knowing she has been welcomed into the presence of her Savior. Her legacy lives on through the faith she demonstrated, the love she freely gave, and the countless lives she quietly touched through simple acts of compassion.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at Seymour Funeral Home. A service to celebrate Joyce’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 6, 2026, in the sanctuary of Nahunta Friends Meeting with Randy Quate officiating. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery.
Joyce is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Martha King and husband, Ben, of Mount Olive and Rebecca Brock and husband, Mike, of Eureka; her grandchildren, Dawn C. Stribble and husband, Johnny, Matthew Crawford and wife, Lauren, Danielle B. Mobley and husband, Jason, and Amanda B. Ellis and husband, Ben; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Regan, Blake, Cora, Carlee, Daniel, Carol, Allie, and Lilly.
She is also survived by her brother, Lester B. “Peter” Aycock, Jr.; her sister, Carol A. Richardson; her sister-in-law, JoAnn Aycock; and several beloved nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Joyce’s memory to Nahunta Friends Church, 2529 N.C. Hwy. 581 North, Pikeville, NC 27863, or to the Boys and Girls Home of North Carolina, P.O. Box 127, Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450-0127.
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