J oyce Thomas Houston, 93, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Saturday, January 29, 2022.

Joyce was the proud mother of two boys and wife to Raymond

She had a successful career at DuPont in Kinston, NC for over 30 years. After retirement, she spent her time serving as an auxilian at Lenoir Memorial Hospital in Kinston for 20 years. She played an integral part organizing a year round project "Lights of Love" at the hospital with proceeds benefiting oncology services. She was also a long-time member of the Red Hat Society of Grifton, NC. Joyce played an instrumental part in helping her son start the Band of Oz. Watching them and other beach bands was one of her favorite pastimes. Joyce spent the rest of her free time bringing joy to others, whether it was through performing with the "Forever Gold Young at Heart" dance troupe at senior centers or cooking a home-made meal for someone in need. She never met a stranger and always made others feel special, even through a short conversation. In her final years, she relocated to Dunn, NC to be closer to her family. Joyce created new friendships through church and "Bojangles," while maintaining her connections from her first 80+ years. Countless people look to her as a friend, sister, Mama, and Grandma. She was truly one of a kind.

Joyce is preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Houston and a brother Jolly Thomas. She is survived by her son Keith Houston and wife Paige of Dunn, son Kendall Houston and wife Carol of Clayton, grandchildren Patrick, Hunter Rae, and Reaves, and sister Ella Moss Houston of Beaulaville, among countless extended family and special friends.

The funeral service will be held at Community Funeral Home of Beaulaville, NC on Thursday, February 3, 2022 at 7 pm, followed by visitation. There will be a graveside service on Friday, February 4, 2022 at 11 am at East Duplin Memorial Gardens in Beaulaville, NC.

Memorials can be made to the Lights of Love Program at UNC Lenoir Health Care of Kinston, NC. Donations can be mailed to "Lights of Love" PO Box 1678, Kinston, NC 28503, or over the phone at 252-522-7006.

Community Funeral Home of Beulaville is honored to serve the Houston Family.