Denica (Wheeler) Joyce

Denica Wheeler Joyce passed away at her home, surrounded by family on April 2, 2026. She was born in Rockingham County and grew up in Mayodan, NC.

Denicas first love was her family. She was a member of St. Lukes Episcopal Church and expeienced God most fully though singing. She was very involved in church. Denica taught Sunday school, sang in the choir and with the Threshold singers. Her life was a ministry to everyone she met.

Denica went to school in Mayodan and graduated there in 1956. She worked at a furniture store in Lenoir. Denica was a stay at home mom to her two children until they went to school. She then went to work at New River Mental Health as a office manager until she retired March 30, 2001.

She was preceeded in death by her husband of 58 years, Curlee Joyce and her parents Frances and David Shirt. Denica is survived by her two children. One son, Robert C. Joyce (Karen) and one daughter Elizabeth Joyce Dawkins (Jeffery) a sister Betty Nelson (Melvin), a brother David Shirt. In addition she is survived by ten grandchildren, Ashley Joyce Jones (Adam), Kari Joyce Brown ( Daniel), Heather Dawkins Saunders (Jonathan), Katherine M. Dawkins, Erika J. Dawkins, Kristen B. Dawkins, Joshua L. Dawkins (Megan),Nickie W. Hayes (Scott), Byron S. Proffit (Blair) and Amanda P. Haderthaver (kristian). She was blessed with nineteen great-grandchildren: Daniel, Brayden, Kaleigh, Morgen, Kelsey, Ethan, Isaiah, Landry, Sawyer, Sklar, Titus, Colbie, Emma, Isaiah R., Josephine, Jaxon, Elaina, Olivia, and Kennedi. As well a many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of the life and ministry of Denica Wheeler Joyce will be at St. Lukes Episcopal Church, 170 Council Street, Boone, NC on Saturday, April 11th at 2:00 PM followed by the internment of cremains in the memorial garden and reception at the church.

In lieu of flowers the family request that memorials be made to: Amorem, 274 Archie Carroll Rd., Boone, NC 28607

Online condolences may be made at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Joyce family

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