Emma Joyce Barnhill Colvin, 79, of Castle Hayne NC went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at Silver Stream Health and Rehabilitation Center with family by her side.

She was born in Pender County on May 26, 1932, the daughter of the late Beadie Wilson Barnhill and Robert Powell Barnhill. She was also preceded in death by her loving husband of 49 years, Franklin Edwards Colvin; sister, Lucille Barnhill Spencer; brother Lee Roy Barnhill; sisters-in-law, Jane Colvin, Lila Barnhill, Doris Colvin, and Venita Barnhill; and brothers-in-law, Relmer Keith, Charlie Swart, Tom Spencer, Calhoun Colvin, Floyd Colvin and William Colvin.

Surviving are her children, Melody Colvin Bennett and husband Gerald, of Raleigh; son Franklin E. Colvin, Jr., of Castle Hayne; and granddaughter Kristin Leigh Bennett of Raleigh.
She is also survived by her sisters, Helen Barnhill Ragsdale and husband Rags, Ida Mae Barnhill Keith, Geraldine Barnhill Swart Smith and husband Jay, Gail Barnhill Dixon and husband Jimmy, Ann Barnhill Holt and husband Richard; brothers Robert Powell Barnhill, Elbert Ray Barnhill, Joe Barnhill and wife Neil, John David Barnhill and wife Susan; sister-in-law, Jane Barnhill; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Emma Joyce was a devoted wife and a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was a member of Wrightsboro Baptist Church and taught Children's Sunday school for 50 years. This was a very important service to her and she enjoyed seeing those children grow into adults, and later teaching their children.

Family and friends remember her kind, caring and loving nature; greeting everyone with her warm smile. She loved going to Church and studying her Bible daily. Her absolute favorite pastimes were reading and gardening. She especially enjoyed cooking for her son, son-in-law, and granddaughter and her weekly visits with her niece, Peggy Spencer Whitley.

Emma Joyce was short in statue, but had a very big heart and never met a stranger; much like her beloved father. Always giving and never asking back, a simple love like that.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 25, 2011 at the Wrightsboro Baptist Church with the Reverend Keith Hollar and the Reverend Mike Lewis officiating. Burial will follow at the Riley's Creek Memorial Cemetery. Pallbearers will be nephews of Joyce Colvin.

The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the funeral service on Saturday.

To Joyce's many friends and family Frank and Melody would like to thank you for every kindness shown - prayers, visits, cards, and all expressions of concern. We thank God, our Heavenly Father, for the gift of friends and family pray His eternal blessings to all.

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