Joyce Autrey

Born on April 2, 1936, Joyce was the youngest daughter of deceased Major Merritt and Alma Plyler Giles. She spent her childhood growing up in Monroe with her eldest sister Betty and occasionally shared stories of how she used to make tap shoes using bottle caps and would sneak apples from a neighbor’s tree. When her mother later remarried to William Giles, Joyce gained another sister and lifelong best friend in Judy.

Eventually, Joyce married Paul Autrey and together they had two children: Sandra and Steve. Between horse shows and drum practices, camping trips and vacations in the mountains, she raised her little family with all of the love she had to give. Later in life she enjoyed nothing more than to spend time with her children and grandchildren, playing games of Scrabble and Super Mario Kart, putting together puzzles, working crosswords, playing the piano, and spending time in fellowship with her church family. Mrs. Autrey was an inspiring woman. From her unfailing faith in God to the unconditional love she gave to her family and friends. She was a gentle hand with a big heart. An open door to anyone who needed her. She was the embodiment of goodness and will be dearly missed.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Autrey; parents, Major Merritt and Alma Plyer Giles; step-father, William Giles; and sister, Betty Delgado. She is survived by her children, Sandra Smith (Richard) and Steve Autrey (Cathy); sister, Judy Pressley (Bud); grandchildren, Kiera Steen (Shane), Amanda Sharphead, Mitchell Autrey (Tina), Kelly Austin (Justin); and 10 great grandchildren.

A visitation for Joyce will be held Wednesday, July 19, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at McEwen Funeral Home of Monroe, 204 South Main Street, Monroe, NC 28112. A celebration of life will be held Thursday, July 20, 2023 at 11:00 AM in McEwen's Colonial Chapel. Interment will follow in Lakeland Memorial Park.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcewenmonroechapel.com for the Autrey family.

McEwen Funeral Home of Monroe is honored to be serving the Autrey family.