Joyce Erlene Rowe, age 75, of Currie; a devoted, loving and joyful wife, mom, grandmother, sister and friend gently passed from her earthly life on Saturday, March 15, 2014 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born September 21, 1938 in Pender County, the daughter of the late Rufus McKoy and Bertie Lou Parker McKoy.

Joyce is survived by her husband of 57 years, John J. "Shaby" Rowe; daughters, Jan Olson (John) of Colorado Springs, Co, Susy Barnhill (Rob) of New Bern and Joyce "Boots" Temple (Jason Taylor) of Fayetteville, GA; grandchildren, Robert Barnhill, Jessica Barnhill, Alex Olson, Tori Olson, Katie Olson, Elizabeth Olson, Andrew Olson and Eli Taylor; special friend and caregiver, Emily Lewis; and many extended family and friends.

Joyce was a graduate of Atkinson High School and Troutman Beauty School. She was a beautician for over 30 years and was co-owner of Rowe Tree Company.

For many years Joyce was a faithful member of Moores Creek Baptist Church where she was active in the Ladies Auxiliary. Joyce's quiet faith and thankfulness for her many blessings in life spoke clearly to her family and friends. Joyce and Shaby created a home filled with Christian love and goodness where family and friends are always welcomed. Words cannot describe Joyce's endless love, kindness and generosity. Joyce"˜s smile, feisty sense of humor and courageous spirit will be greatly missed by all of us.

Funeral service will be 3:00 p.m. on Monday, March 17, 2014 at Moores Creek Baptist Church with The Rev. Philip Eakins and The Rev. Dr. Lynn Bullock officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Casketbearers will be Doug Rowe, John Rowe, David Rowe, Merrell McKoy, Greg McKoy, and Harold Moore. Honorary bearers will be the Men's Adult Sunday School Class.

The family will receive friends at the church on Monday at 1:30 p.m. until hour of the service.

Memorial gifts may be given to Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation, 1414 Physicians Dr., Wilmington, NC 28401.

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

Funeral service will be 3:00 p.m. on Monday, March 17, 2014 at Moores Creek Baptist Church with The Rev. Philip Eakins and The Rev. Dr. Lynn Bullock officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the church on Monday at 1:30 p.m. until hour of the service.