Alene Joyce Kelly, 76, of Ivanhoe passed gently from her earthly life on Sunday, April 9, 2017 at UNC-Hospitals at Chapel Hill with family by her side.

She was born September 11, 1940 in Duplin County, the daughter of the late Remus Hall and Carrie Miller Gurganus. Joyce is preceded in death by her husband, David Fleet Kelly; sisters, Joan Pickett and Carrie Grace Hall; brothers, Buddy Hall, Ronald Jones and Bobby Dean Hall; and son-in-law, Kevin Simpson.

Joyce is survived by her daughter, Rhonda Simpson (Bubba Tatum); grandsons, Matthew Simpson (Sarah Ganey), Marcus Simpson, and Michael Simpson; great grandchildren, Brantley Simpson, Peyton Simpson and Jace Simpson; sister, Jean Gurganious; brother, Jimmy Jones; sisters-in-law, Cherry Jones and Mary Alice Corbett; aunt, Dollie Mae Southerland; and many extended family and friends, all who dearly loved Joyce.

Joyce was steadfast in her Christian faith and was a longtime member of Long Creek Baptist Church.

Joyce loved her family beyond measure and was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She loved all of God's nature and especially enjoyed working in her beautiful yard and caring for her many plants, shrubs and trees. Her tranquil spirit, her sweet smile and her thoughtfulness toward others will always be treasured and remembered.

The family will receive friends at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 13, 2017 at Shiloh Baptist Church with funeral service beginning at 2:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary. The Rev. Melvin Hall and The Rev. Gardner Eakins will conduct the service. Burial will follow in Malpass Memorial Cemetery at Long Creek Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home, PO Box 1316, Burgaw, NC 28425 in memory of Joyce or to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting "Share a Memory" above.

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Burgaw