Joyce Gray Brantley

Joyce Gray Brantley, age 84, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, February 13, 2015. She was born in Nash County, NC, and was the daughter of the late Lonnie Henry Howell, Sr. and Eva Edmondson Howell. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph Clarence “J.C.” Brantley; one sister, Patsy Faye Howell; and five brothers, James Robert, Norman Speight, Leslie “Peewee, Lonnie Henry, Jr., and Earl “Eddie” Howell. A lifelong member of the Dortches Baptist Church, Joyce was very dedicated to her faith, family and friends, volunteering to help whenever she was able to. In continuing her joy of helping others, she became and remained very active with the Covenant Homes for over 20 years, creating many memories and many lasting friendships until her illness slowed her down. She was best known for her delicious tartlets which she would bake and offer in benefit of the Covenant Homes. Even for those who were unable to attend, Joyce would find a way to share her delicious talents with those she loved. She never met a stranger who didnt enjoy her company. Joyce was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend to all whom came to know her. Her strength and love will never be forgotten, that along with her sharp wits will continue to live on in the memories of those left to cherish those fond moments. Joyce is survived by her two daughters, Teresa Brantley Hogshire and her husband, William, of Tarboro, and Cindi Brantley Raynor and her husband, Larry, of Wilmington; two sons, Mike Brantley and his wife, Sonja, of Garner, and Jeff Brantley and his wife, Donna, of Elm City; her two sisters, Lois Turlington and her husband, Fred, of Tarboro, and Mary Howell Aycock of Rocky Mount; and one brother, Dick Howell and his wife, Jean, of Rocky Mount. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her five grandchildren, Stephanie Hogshire Brown, Shaun, Chris, Connor, and Kelli as well as five great-grandchildren. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made in Joyces memory to Dortches Baptist Church, 4776 Dortches Boulevard, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at 2:00 PM at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Pastor Phillip Barton of Dortches Baptist Church officiating. Friends and loved ones are welcome to visit with the family on Wednesday, February 18, 2015, prior to the service beginning at 1:00 PM. Burial is to follow the services at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Wednesday 2/18, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Service Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Wednesday 2/18, 2:00 pm Cemetery Rocky Mount Memorial Park 4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43 Rocky Mount, NC 27804