Joyce Marie Clewis Freeman

She was born in Wilmington, NC on April 16,1929 to parents Ell Canie Clewis and Charlotte Mintz Clewis

She was preceded in death by her parents: Canie and Charlotte Clewis,

son, Edward Dean Freeman and her daughter -in-laws, Christy Downy Freeman and Judith Sackheim Freeman.

Joyce was the sixth of ten children. She left school early to help her mother provide for the family. At a later time, she passed the exam to earn her GED in order to have a high school diploma. When she was 65 years old, she entered Altamaha Technical College in Baxley, Georgia and graduated with an associate’s degree. She sewed for a living at the Oxford Plant in Alma, Georgia, and made clothes for many family members and friends.

She loved gardening and loved planting red roses. For many years she collected all denominations of coins and two-dollar bills, which are a rare find.

She was a person who dressed not to impress, but to look nice. Without pomp, she cared that she dress properly for she was a true southern girl.

Joyce raised American Quarter horses and Appaloosas. She was happy when she realized that her niece, Suzy, had a passion for horses as well.

She collected depression glassware dishes and had pieces of various colors.

She was an animal lover, but especially cats which roamed between her house and her sister, Glenda’s house.

Joyce really loved going to Cracker Barrel to eat their turnip greens and fried apples, then looking through the various clothes and holiday items for sale.

Joyce was an avid reader and would read a book every day, even though she only had sight in her left eye. She enjoyed sitting on her front porch swing or in one of her rocking chairs waiting for her neighbors and their pets to walk by and visit a spell with her. She knew most folks in her neighborhood and loved to converse with them about what was going on in their lives and to share her love for her Savior.

Joyce is survived by her son, Joseph Jackson Freeman, III.

Grandchildren: JoEl Freeman, and wife Tresa, Joseph Freeman, IV,

Brooks Freeman, Esteban Freeman and wife Cecilia, Edward Dean Freeman, II, and Cameron Jo Freeman

Great grandchildren: Sophia Marie Freeman, Charlotte Freeman, Sammy Freeman,

Felix Freeman, Jude Freeman, Giuseppe Valerian Freeman, and Maria Ines Josefina Freeman

A graveside service will be held Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Bellevue Cemetery, Princess Place Drive, Wilmington, NC at 12:30pm.

Flowers may be sent to Coble’s Funeral Home. If you wish, in lieu of flowers you may donate to the Bellevue Cemetery upkeep fund,

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.coblegreenlawn.com.