Joyce Johnson Thomas

Joyce Johnson Thomas, 75, went home to be with her Lord on Wednesday, September 17, 2014. Born in Mecklenburg County, NC on March 31, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Rev. Eddie Johnson, Sr. and Evelyn Berry Johnson. Joyce was a lifelong member of New Bethel Baptist Church where she was a former pianist, choir member, and deaconess. When Mrs. Thomas became homebound she had an in-house correspondence ministry to stay in contact with others during special occasions.
Joyce was a 1957 graduate of Olive Hill High School where she was crowned Miss Olive Hill. She then went on to obtain her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Winston-Salem State Teachers College. She began teaching in Alexander County before moving to Burke County Schools in 1965; she started at Mountain View Elementary School and then moved to Glen Alpine Elementary School. Joyce had a passion and devotion that was demonstrated in her love for her students. She was a teacher who cared for her students’ well-being beyond the classroom.
Joyce is survived by her husband of 51 years, Eddie B. Thomas of the home; a daughter, DeWanna Thomas Hamlin and her husband, Edwin, of Winston-Salem, NC; grandchildren who were the love of her life, Catherine Hamlin and Erran Hamlin and his fiancée, Jessa Penson, and their daughter, Narre Hamlin; a step-sister, Betty Corbett of Rocky Mount, NC; a step-sister-in-law, Nell Johnson of Morganton; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by two step-brothers, William and Eddie Johnson.
The funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at New Bethel Baptist Church with the Rev. Willard Watkins officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 12:00 until 1:00 p.m. prior to the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690 or to New Bethel Baptist Church, 518 Valdese Avenue, Morganton, NC 28655.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements. 
The family would like to extend a special thanks to her caregivers, Ann Thomas and Belinda Vinson, the 5th floor staff at Grace Hospital, the staff at Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, and the staff of Burke County, EMS.