Joyce Dianne Jackson

The Angels were busy today…With heavy hearts, the family and community announce the passing of Joyce Dianne Jackson, 64, who was called home to rest on August 31, 2025. Joyce was born on September 11, 1960, in Rhode Island, to the late Elsie May Batten and the late Robert Stone. A devoted wife, cherished mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she leaves behind a legacy of faith, artistry, and unwavering kindness.

Joyce was married to the love of her life, Gary James Jackson, for 43 beautiful years before his passing. Their bond was a true testament to enduring love. Joyce found constant companionship in her precious chihuahua, Missy, whom she adored and cherished both before and after Gary’s death. Missy was a source of great comfort and joy in her life.

A devout "prayer warrior," Joyce was a dedicated member of the First Pentecostal Holiness Church in Wilmington. She was an active and prominent member of the Forever Loved Widows group, where she found and provided fellowship and strength. Though a private person, Joyce was always ready to offer her time, care, and compassion to those in need, embodying the true meaning of integrity and confidentiality.

Her deeply grounded spirit was evident in her commitment to her community. For many hours, she volunteered alongside her brother, Kevin, at the Hands of Mercy, Hearts of Fire (The Masters Closet Thrift Shop). This organization is a wonderful resource for the Columbus County community, offering emergency funding to veterans and victims of displacement, fires, and hurricanes. Her selfless dedication to helping others was a cornerstone of her character.

Joyce was a creative and artistic soul who channeled her talents into her own business, making custom cups and T-shirts with vinyl lettering. Her special creation, "Bless You Jars," showcased her thoughtful and compassionate nature. She was also a talented homemaker who believed "that everything had its place and every place had its thing". Her kitchen was a place of warmth, renowned for her fantastic cooking and, most famously, the best homemade biscuits, which she generously shared with her church family every Sunday. In her leisure time, she enjoyed a friendly competitive spirit, placing third in the nation in the online game "Song Pop".

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Elsie May Batten and Robert Stone; her husband, Gary James Jackson; her sister, Darlene Rooney; her brother, David Greenleaf; and many other family members.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Jennifer Jackson of Leland, NC; her granddaughter, Brittany; her grandson, Matthew; and her great-grandson, Riley. She also leaves behind her brother Mark Greenleaf and his wife, Lisa, of Leland, NC; her brother Kevin Greenleaf and his wife, Paula, of Rocky Point, NC; her sister Amy Pepevnik and her husband, Jeff, of Wilmington, NC; and her sister Amanda Pepevnik and her husband Karl, also of Wilmington, NC. She is also survived by her close nephew, Bryan, his siblings, and many other nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Joyce will be profoundly missed by all who knew her, and her memory will live on in the hearts of her beloved family and friends for the rest of their lives.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Wilmington Pentecostal Holiness Church, 2901 29th and Chestnut Street on Sunday, September 14th at 4PM. Come and celebrate the legacy of Joyce Dianne Jackson.

In her honor, donations can be made to: Hands of Mercy, Hearts of Fire (The Masters Closet Thrift Shop): 27385 Andrew Jackson Hwy E, Delco, NC 28436.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:

for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me,

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:

thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.