She was born Aug. 14, 1935, in Iredell County, to the late Espy E. Shaver and Blanche Pharr Shaver. Joyce was a member of New Prospect Baptist Church and attended faithfully before her health declined.
Joyce attended Central High School and was employed by Hetrick Manufacturing Company in Statesville for several years. On Feb. 13, 1954, she was married to the Rev. T. Dwight Dowell. They enjoyed 65 years of marriage before her passing. When her children were born, she became a stay at home mom. In later years, she was employed by Statesville Auto Auction.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four brothers and three sisters. She is survived by her husband, the Rev. T. Dwight Dowell; son, Alton Keith Dowell, of the home; and daughter, Melissa D. Boyd and husband, Brad, of Statesville; five nieces; and four nephews.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Nov. 27, at New Prospect Baptist Church at 2:30 p.m., with the Revs. Joey Campbell and Mark Robinette officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., prior to the service. Interment will follow the funeral service, in the Church Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Rd., Statesville, NC 28625.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com.
Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care of Mrs. Dowell and her family.