Joyce Harrell Obituary

Joyce Marie Harrell, of Newton Grove, formerly of the Suttontown community, passed away in the early dawn hours on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, at Rolling Ridge Assisted Living in Newton Grove.

Born Dec. 30, 1937, in Wayne County to the late Granger and Marguerite Warren Harrell, Marie is survived by her sister, Annette Harrell Sutton — along with nieces Teresa S. Bass and husband, Kenny, Melinda S. Thompson and husband Robbie, and nephew Kent Sutton.Additionally, great nieces: Jennifer B. Oldham and husband, Will, Mary T. Smith, and husband, Mike, Emily Sutton and Anna Sutton, great nephew Chris Bass, and great-great niece, Ava Oldham.

Having a lifelong disability, Marie never let it affect her zeal for life. After spending most of her early life in Baltimore, Md., she returned to the Suttontown community, along with her parents in 1973.

During the late 70's and early 80's, Marie tag-teamed with her mom, Marguerite, to work as a newspaper delivery team for the Goldsboro News Argus, delivering the daily paper to homes in the Calypso, Smith Chapel, Dobbersville & Suttontown communities.

Upon the death of her mother in 1999, Marie resided with her sister, Annette, until moving to Rolling Ridge Assisted Living in 2018.

Marie's passion for reading took her places where only books can, as she loved fiction — especially murder mysteries. The bi-weekly visit by the Sampson County Library Bookmobile was always eagerly anticipated by Marie.

Her favorite book, however, was the Holy Bible, as she practiced her faith daily. As a devout Christian, Marie lived by the "Golden Rule" exemplifying Jesus' love for all.

Marie fought daily with the challenges from childhood polio, and surviving a near catastrophic car accident, never complaining nor making excuses. Marie's faith provided her with the power of positive thinking, perseverance and tenacity to overcome her physical disabilities - inspiring all who came to know her.

The family extends a special thank you to the staff at Rolling Ridge and Gentiva Hospice, as their faithful care, dedication and love for Marie will never be forgotten.

A service to celebrate Marie's life will be held Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2 p.m., at the Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home Chapel in Goldsboro, with Rev. Keith Sexton and Mr. Kenny Bass presiding. Interment will follow in Wayne Memorial Park. The family will greet friends from 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m., at the funeral home prior to the service.

Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to be serving the Harrell/Sutton family. On-line condolences can be directed to the family at www.shumate-faulk.com