On July 11, during the early morning hours, Iva Joyce Page Thornton opened her eyes to the face of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ leaving behind many family and friends who will cherish her memory.
A funeral service will be held at 11 am Tuesday at Piney Grove Baptist Church with Pastor Richard Weeks and Pastor Robert Beasley officiating. Internment will follow in the church cemetery with the family receiving family and friends immediately following.
Joyce was the wife of the late Oscar Thornton whom she loved with every ounce of her being. He was truly her soulmate and her heart and soul has longed to be with him since his passing in 2005. Together they created a life that they were proud of; to include creating a family farm with various crop along with cows and pigs. Her biggest blessings in life were her two sons; Wayne and Frederick who were the lights of her life. She loved “her boys” more than words could ever describe and they loved her just as much. Later in their lives, Joyce would finally get the enjoyment and happiness of having two wonderful daughters in law, Angela Vann and Angela Thornton. Nothing made her happier than spending time with her four granddaughters and her six precious great grandchildren who she loved more than anything else. She had a bond with her brother, Arnold Page and his special friend Freddie Beasley who she loved immensely. They enjoyed frequent conversations over the phone and in person where there was constant entertainment no matter the place. Joyce was well known as “Mrs. Thornton” to the many students that she helped educate as a teacher’s assistant. The students and staff at Hobbton Elementary School were affectionately known as her second family. In addition to working on the family farm, spending time with her family, and helping grow the minds of countless young children, she was a dedicated Christian and faithfully attended Piney Grove Baptist Church.
In addition to her beloved husband, Oscar, Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew Rose Page and Bulah Mae Hayes Page, along with her sisters Marie and Alease and her brother Thomas.
She is survived by her two sons Oscar Wayne (Angela Vann) and Frederick Rose (Angela Thornton); her granddaughters Amanda Wright (David), Leslie Alderman (Blake), Mindi Quinn (Matthew), and Tiffany Johnson (Jeremy); and her six great grandchildren Zannah Wright, Larkyn Alderman, Hadley Alderman, Matilyn Quinn, Walker Johnson, and Cooper Johnson; and her brother Arnold D Page and his special friend Freddie Beasley.
The family would like to thank the staff of Rolling Ridge Assisted Living and the staff of Liberty Hospice, especially Joyce, Brittany, and Edna. We are eternally grateful to all of you for all the care, love and support that was provided.
The family will welcome friends at her home at 745 East Darden Road, Faison.
Memorials may be made to Piney Grove Baptist Church, 1818 N McCullen Road, Faison, NC 28341.
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