Visitation
5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Joyce Wilcox Barlow, 67, of Lawndale, NC, went to home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, December 4, 2022.
Born in Caldwell County, NC on September 8, 1955, she was the daughter of the late Eller Wilcox and Joann Wilcox. A pastor’s wife, Joyce loved Jesus with all her heart and faithfully served beside her husband in all areas of ministry.
Joyce always had a love for children and working with children. Her greatest calling was teaching children and youth. Later in her career she would work with special needs children and adults. She worked as a teacher assistant and a child care teacher, even operating her own home daycare in Durham, NC. For seventeen years Joyce was a one-on-one assistant in the Burke County Schools with special needs children and then with Signature Day Program in Morganton. She impacted many children’s lives.
Joyce was gifted by God to create. She loved crafts and could look at a design and recreate it. She also made her own designs. There was nothing she couldn’t do. Joyce took great joy in scrapbooking and designing/creating cards.
Joyce had a great love for people and had a gift for making friends. She was a beacon of the light and love of Christ. Next to Jesus, her devotion was to her husband and immediate family. Her grandson, Aiden, was the apple of her eye. Joyce loved family gatherings or just visiting her parents and siblings. Christmas was her favorite time of the year. The gathering of her parents, siblings, and nieces and nephews lit up her life.
Joyce is survived by her husband, Allan Barlow; daughter-in-law, Melissa Barlow; grandson, Aiden Barlow; sisters, Janet Carver (Don) and Brenda Lyday (Beau); brothers, David Wilcox (Melissa) and Billy Wilcox; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Joyce was reunited in heaven with her son, Andrew Barlow.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, December 9, 2022 at Sossoman Funeral Home. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, December 10, 2022 at Zion Hill Baptist Church in Lawndale with Revs. Tony Johnson and Jim Kilby officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Park in Lenoir.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Zion Hill Baptist Church Building Fund, 8173 Old NC 18, Lawndale, NC 28090 or to Carolina Caring, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Joyce Wilcox Barlow.
The members of Caldwell County Retired School Personnel wish to offer our sympathy at the passing of your precious Joyce. Her devotion to children was limitless, and her work with special needs children reflected her love of Jesus Christ in the best way possible. She championed the importance of education and nurturing in the lives of children. Death may have taken her much too soon by our standards, but her impact on the lives she touched will live on forever. Alan, we hold your dear family in our prayers.
My mom loved you so much! You were at my parents home often to create cards and albums. My mom said you two were instant friends and had a bond and love for our Lord. So glad we went to NC last month to see you one last time. Until we all meet again in Heaven! Prayers to Alan and all the rest of Joyce’s family. - Andrea, Judi’s daughter.
I express my deepest condolences to you, Allan, and to your family. So sorry to have missed this last year with Joyce, as her friendship is dear. I loved our creative times and thank you also for help in opening up the fellowship hall to make it all happen. You two are so good together and I know this is a great loss as you walk this part of your journey without her by your side. My heart feels your grief. Know that there are people loving you and lifting you in prayer. On “this side” there seems like such a vacuum but heaven’s inhabitants grows larger everyday. For those of us looking to our Savior, we will see her again, in the not too distant future and our reunion will be sweet. May the God of all Comfort sustain you until we see our loved ones and Him face to face.
Hello, my name is Cathy and I worked at Dollar Tree in Morganton. I want to send my condolences to Joyce's Family. She had a special way with children. She would come into the store with a young man that she assisted with his purchases. He loved her and she loved him. Now when Joyce and her husband, The Pastor came into the store together, it was always a funny and blessed moment. Pastor would tell his jokes or give me a word from God. Oh, how she will be missed. I loved them both. Take care and Joyce would say, "I'm Alright, you take care and keep pressing on. Love you guys!
Don and I are praying for you, Pastor Allan, and your family during this time of loss. Joyce was so kind and encouraging and will be missed by us and so many. We cherish the memories and know she is rejoicing today with Jesus. In Christ, Emily & Don Sisk
We send our deep condolences to Allan and family. We will miss Joyce tremendously but know that she is happy in heaven with Jesus. Our friendship began in Morganton as Joyce and I loved crafting together and continued for many years even tho apart for recent years. Joyce loved our Lord and served Him with Joy, obvious to us all. Prayers are with you, Allan!
Prayers for God’s comfort for the Barlowe and Wilcox family. Joyce and I were classmates at Hudson High School.
Sending prayers with love. Jimmie & Debbie Holman
Prayers for the family for the loss of Joyce. She was a very sweet and beautiful lady🙏
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. May God Bless!