Joy Mills Hawley

      In the song of life, Joy Mills Hawley was surely the composer. A very observant woman who would rather spend her time creating than talking, Joy preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around her made sense. In fact, she depended on her sensory world to provide her with concrete data. A free spirit, Joy believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. She seemed to know what fit and what didn’t fit in everything she did. Joy perceived that all of life’s possibilities were open to her, yet she lived with a definite sense of purpose. She was a woman who was always ready to share her creations with those around her.

      Joy was born on September 7, 1958 at Highsmith Hospital in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Her parents were Jackie and Katie Mills. Joy was raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina. As a young child, Joy was optimistic in her outlook. She sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply her creative energies. Joy rarely calling attention to herself, but when she did speak out, her message was clearly understood by those around her.

      Early on in her family relationships, Joy showed that she was a tolerant and flexible person, and she got along fairly well with everyone. She was raised with One. She had one younger sister, Rhonda Rolfe. She was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.

      As she was growing up, Joy developed into a person who enjoyed physically doing things, and she took pleasure in using her hands in order to create. Whether it was drawing pictures, working with building kits, or even just tapping out a rhythm to play by, Joy liked concrete things. In her spare time she liked to play with her dolls. However, to Joy, the most fun she had was simply playing, and spending time with friends.

      Early on in her school years, Joy showed an interest in learning, especially when it came to subjects in the arts. At times, school learning did not provide Joy with sufficient challenges, but being an avid reader, she could often be “lost in a book” well above her grade level. Her passion for fine arts was so keen that fellow students and even her teachers recognized it. She graduated from Seventy-First High School in 1976. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was English.

      Those who didn’t know Joy well might not view her as being an outgoing person, those who called her their friend knew differently. Joy was shy and sensitive, a person who never forced her opinions and values on others. Close friends knew that her kindness was unmatched, and once you became a friend of Joy’s, you understood how true a friend she could be. Later in life, she became friends with Tina Johnson and Jack Messer.

      A person who was sensitive to others’ feelings, modest and tolerant, Joy had the ability to become completely devoted to another when that affection was returned. On February 14, 1988, Joy exchanged wedding vows with her life partner James Elton Hawley at the Marriage Chapel of Dillon, South Carolina.

      Joy was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to her children. These emotional bonds made her as much playmate as parent. She gave her family unconditional love and kindness, sharing her artistic nature by turning everyday events into creative play. Joy was blessed with Two, two sons, Jackie and Brian. They were also blessed with Two, Ethan, Emma.

      Joy found ways to enjoy what she did for a living. She worked hard and did her best to succeed every day. Her primary occupation was a cashier. She was employed for over 10 years with the Dunn ABC store. Joy tended to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done without imposing her will on others.

      Joy enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were coloring by numbers. She would color daily for hours. Joy was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others. She was relaxed in her approach to her leisure time because she wanted to savor the present moment.

      Joy liked sports. Joy was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were watching Duke play. She enjoyed watching Zion dunk.

      Because she loved the world around her, Joy enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. It was an opportunity for her to kick back and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Joy put her personal trademark on any leisure planning that she undertook. Favorite vacations included the North Carolina Coastlines and Clarksville, Tennessee.

      Joy was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Joy’s favorites was Dot-Dot. They were best friends for 11 years. Her family was rounded out by her two dogs, Ashton and Bella Rose.

      Joy passed away on May 20, 2019 at At her home in Dunn, North Carolina. Joy fearlessly fought lung cancer. She is survived by her son Jackie; her grandchildren Ethan and Emma. Services were held at Cromartie-Miller Funeral Home. Joy was laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetery in Princeton, North Carolina.

      Joy was a good woman, a kind woman, and a practical woman who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. She leaves behind her a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. Joy always had much to give and was able to make those connections in her life where her gifts were appreciated. Joy was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Joy Mills Hawley.

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Joy Mills Hawley, 60, of 74 O B J Road, Dunn, peacefully passed away on May 20, 2019 at home with her son by her side. Joy was born September 7, 1958 in Fayetteville, North Carolina to the late Jackie and Katie (Byrd) Mills. Joy graduated from Seventy-First High School in 1976. She was employed with the Dunn ABC store. Joy was known for her colorful hair and personality. She will be remembered as a beloved mother, friend, and coworker.

She is survived by her mother, Ilse Mills, who raised her the past 53 years; son, Jackie Mills; step-daughter, Dawn Littleton; grandson, Ethan Mills, and granddaughter, Emma Mills.

In addition to her parents, Joy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James E. Hawley; son, Brian K. Hawley, and sister Rhonda G. Rolfe.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, May 24, 2019 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Cromartie-Miller Funeral Home.

All arrangements are entrusted to Cromartie-Miller Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cromartiemiller.com