Joyce A (Gwathney) Johnson

Joyce A. (Gwathney) Johnson, age 83, of Cove City, North Carolina passed away on Monday, September 18, 2023. Joyce Ann Gwathney entered this life July 24th, 1940 in Westfield, New Jersey. She was the fifth child of the late Albert Gwathney and the late Matilda Carter.

Joyce graduated school from Patchogue High School in 1958. During her school years Joyce was active in the school marching band and she took piano lessons. She was a loyal friend that had a great sense of humor which was highlighted in her school yearbook, naming her “girl with the best sense of humor”. Joyce was employed locally before moving to the Bay Shore area and gaining employment at Pilgrim State Hospital where she started as a psychiatric attendant. Upon retirement after 24 years, she retired as a supervisor.

Somewhere in that span of time, Joyce met and married Walter Johnson Jr. From that union they raised four children, Kythe Michelle, Kendra Leigh, Kysandra Joyce, and Walter Jay. The family enjoyed year long barbecues, and social interactions with other family members. She also enjoyed boating, fishing, and traveling. After retirement Joyce relocated to North Carolina and worked with several organizations and she joined Foundation Life Fellowship Church. Her devotion to God remained paramount in her life, even though she could not always attend service.

She was preceded in death by her Father Albert Gwathney, Mother Matilda Gwathney, Brothers Albert, James, and Beverly Gwathney, Sisters Louise Boggs, Helen Carringten and Catherine Gwathney, and Husband Walter Johnson Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memory by her son Walter J. Johnson III, daughters Kythe M. Galloway, Kendra-leigh Lionetti (John), Kysandra J. Carter, brother John A. Gwathney, sister Pamela Mary Gwathney, grandchildren Latasha, Tiffany, Tamara, Anthony, Tina, Crystal, Cassie, Christopher, Nicholas,Ivan, Randi-Joi, Brittany, Davina, Jamie, Jasmine, Walter IV and great-grandchildren Imani, Kendra, Kierra, C.J., Nathan, Jeremiah, Nevaeh, Christina, Skylar, Camille, Tyler, King, Kehlani, Liam, Amir, Amari, Aleigha, Isaiah, Taurean, Isadora, Marlee, Leesia. She also leaves behind many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

A visitation for Joyce will be held Saturday, September 23, 2023 from 4:00 p.m to 6:00 p.m at Cotten Funeral Home. A funeral service will occur Sunday, September 24, 2023 at 2:00 p.m at Cotten Funeral Home. Joyce will be laid to rest in Greenleaf Memorial Park following the service.

In lieu of flowers and memorial contributions, please donate to the Foundation Life Fellowship Church, 2827 Ashland Ave, New Bern, NC 28560.

You may address condolences to the family by visiting www.cottenfuneralhome.com.

Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Gwathney-Johnson family.