Joyce Merritt Mote

Joyce Merritt Mote, age 85, of Siler City passed away Monday, November 19, 2018 at Duke University Medical Center, Durham.

Mrs. Mote was born September 4, 1933 and was a native of Bladen County. She was the daughter of Kerney and Maude Smith Merritt. Joyce was a member of Siler City Pentecostal Holiness Church, the Senior Adult Sunday School Class and the Women's Fellowship. She was employed by Kellwood and Collins and Aikman although her true calling was being a Foster Parent. She loved flowers, cooking, looking after children, shopping and traveling. Joyce loved to fellowship with the ladies at Sheffield Apartments.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Billy Mote; sister, Betty Smith; and son-in-law, Dennis James.

Mrs. Mote is survived by daughters: Brenda M. Johnson and Joyce M. Cole and husband Mike both of Siler City, Billie Jo James of Goldston, and Tina Teague and husband Michael of Snow Camp, son: Chris Mote and wife Lisa of Bennett; sisters: Jackie Robinson and husband Dillard of Siler City and Elnora "Jenny" Langley and husband Johnny of Staley, brothers: Kennith Merritt and wife Shelia and Robert Merritt and wife Sandy both of Elizabethtown, NC; grandchildren: Stephen Cole, Philip Cole, Casey Ray James and friend Sienna Courie, Mollie Anne Teague, Scottie Teague, Meghan Teague, Carlie Mote, Crystal Rich and husband Mike, and Zach Gaines and wife Nicole; foster child: Mandy Valdez; and 4 great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Friday, November 23, 2018 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Siler City Pentecostal Holiness Church, 17475 US 64 W, Siler City, NC and other times at the home of daughter, Billie Jo James, 4104 Goldston Glendon Rd, Goldston, NC. The funeral will follow at 2:00 PM with Pastor Mark Richardson and Pastor Jerry Foley officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Siler City Pentecostal Holiness Church.

Smith & Bucker Funeral Home is assisting the family.