June 10, 2021, 83, Goldsboro –

Joyce Ola Turney Kelly, “J.K.” age 83 of Goldsboro passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, June 10, 2021.

Joyce was born on October 7, 1937 in Houlton, Maine to the late Arnold Turney and Ola Rockwell Turney. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by one sister, Judy Schmidt.

Joyce leaves behind many friends and family that will forever cherish her memory. Her children, Ed Kelly, Patrick Kelly (Sandra), Kevin Kelly (Beth), Michael Kelly, and Kathleen Kelly Miller (Gregory); her siblings, Ann Devivo (Sal), Mary Hendrie (Brian), Louise Young (Clifford), Terry Turney (Carol); her brother-in-law, Carter Schmidt; her longtime best friend, Gina Price, and her most prized accomplishments, twelve grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, friends, and family.

Joyce grew up in the small town of Porters Corners, just outside of Saratoga Springs, NY, and was a graduate of Saratoga High School Class of 1956. Joyce became a Registered Nurse and after marriage moved to many locations as a military spouse, finally moving to North Carolina in 1975. Later, she went on to get her Bachelor of Science in Nursing as well as a Masters Degree in Rehabilitation, Substance Abuse, and Clinical Counseling from East Carolina University.

Joyce was a voice of compassion and encouragement to so many individuals. She served her community working tirelessly to help those with addiction disorders to find a better life. She was on the board of directors for Wayside Fellowship Home and was their first Executive Director. Realizing the need for a county detox facility, she forged the way for Wayne County Detox to be made available to county residents. Joyce started Blue Horizons Counseling Center where she served the needs of those with addiction and mental health disorders. Upon her retirement in 2011, Joyce continued to serve her community by providing life coaching at the local senior center and then carrying this into a business that she ran out of her home.

Later in life, Joyce became very active in the Ladies’ Guild at St. Mary’s Catholic Church where her duties included bringing meals to families in need; she also sang in the church choir. Joyce was an accomplished artist. She really enjoyed painting portraits of her many adventures, her family, and got most of her inspiration from her many walks and trips to her favorite place, the beach. Joyce was a connoisseur of good food, and would often deem it a “tasty little morsel” as she would take the last bite. Joyce frequently used yoga and natural holistic therapy for internal healing and calming, which helped her support others. In this life, Joyce had many joys, but her greatest joy was being called Grandma. Grandma always had a “prize” for each of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved seeing the smiles on their faces as they were opened. Joyce was truly a one-in-a-million and will be missed by everyone who knew her, and she left a lasting imprint on the hearts of those she loved and met along life’s way.

In honor of Joyce’s life, there will be a funeral mass on Friday, June 18, 2021 at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Goldsboro. Inurnment will follow at the church columbarium. There will be a visitation for friends and family at Seymour Funeral Home on Thursday, June 17, 2021 from 6:00-8:00 PM with a Rosary beginning at 6:00 PM for anyone who would like to attend. Online condolences may be made at www.seymourfuneralhome.com. Services entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home, Goldsboro.