Joyce Cox Pardue

Godly and wise, Joyce was the kind of mother every child deserves. Growing up on a farm during the Depression, raised by her hardworking parents, Jamie and Whitie, and surrounded by a “passel” of brothers, she developed a quiet strength and a lifelong devotion to caring for others. Throughout her life, she poured her heart into service - welcoming children into her home as a trusted caregiver, tending to sick family members and friends, delighting in her grandchildren (who enjoyed countless homemade “Granny cakes”), actively participating in First United Methodist Church, and volunteering for more than 25 years at the Dorcas Thrift Shop. She was also known for her love of feeding birds and for growing vegetables and flowers to share - simple joys that reflected her generous spirit. The abundance of her love will forever be felt by those fortunate enough to call her Mom, Granny, or Friend.

Joyce is survived by her daughter Phyllis (Don); grandchildren Brian (Katie), David, Carla (Anthony), Lauren, and Jason; six great-grandchildren; special nephew Cameron Cox (Penny); and daughter-in-law Courtney Bixler. Joyce’s life was also made infinitely richer by the love, kindness, and occasional shenanigans she shared with her dear friends - Carolyn Dewar, Sydna Martin, and Karen Seymour.

She was preceded in death by her husband Paul, son Vernon, and grandson Keegan.

To honor her beautiful life, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Wesleyan Circle of First United Methodist Church (117 S. Academy St. Cary, NC 27511) or to NeighborUp (formerly Dorcas Ministries; 187 High House Rd. Cary, NC 27511).

A funeral service will be held at First Cary United Methodist Church, located at 117 S Academy St Building B, Cary, NC, 27511, on December 6, 2025, starting at 1:30 pm.

The committal service will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery, 608 Page St, Cary, NC, 27511, beginning at 2:30 pm on the same day.