Joyce Hunter

Evelyn “Joyce” Hunter passed away peacefully in her childhood home with her beloved poodle, Sir Lancelot, by her side on July 29, 2026. A native Charlottean, Joyce was born on October 1, 1941 to Evelyn Mason Hunter and Fred Walker Hunter.

As a young adult, Joyce did some modeling for Ivey’s department store and played competitive tennis. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education, Health and History from Pfeiffer College in 1963. She later went on to earn her Masters Degree in Physical Education from Winthrop University in 1984.

Joyce retired from the Charlotte Mecklenburg school system after 31 years as a Physical Education and Health teacher and coach of many sports, mostly at Garinger High School. She had a prolific coaching career: Volleyball (17 yrs), Women’s Tennis (11 yrs), Women’s Basketball (7 yrs), Men’s Tennis (6 yrs), Softball ( 6 yrs) and Women’s Track ( 2 yrs). She received the Southwestern 4A Coach of the Year Award for Volleyball in 1974, ‘75 and ‘76 and for Basketball in 1983.

After her retirement, Joyce worked as the Head of Resident Services at MerryWood on Park where she would lead activities and outings for the residents. After leaving that position, she worked at the Junior League Warehouse.

Joyce had a special love for red poodles and could often be seen walking them in her neighborhood.

She was very friendly and would always take time to stop and talk to people while walking her dogs, shopping at the grocery store or farmers market, or swimming at the Marion Diehl Pool. She was a loyal friend who often gave wise advice and was a firm believer of “a friend in need is a friend indeed.”

Special thanks and appreciation go to the caregivers who were faithful and dedicated to caring for her in the late stages of her life and especially to VIA Healthcare Partners. Deep appreciation also goes to Animal Medical Hospital for the excellent care they have provided to her dogs over many years. A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 4th at 11:00 a.m. at McEwen Funeral Service at Sharon Memorial Park 5716 Monroe Rd. Charlotte, NC. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and burial will follow the service at Sharon Memorial Cemetery.