December 7, 2023, 83, La Grange —

July 7, 1940 – December 7, 2023

Joyce Ann Harrelson Martin was welcomed into her eternal home on December 7, 2023. She was born in Sampson County, North Carolina to the late William James Harrelson and Esther Eason Harrelson on July 7, 1940. In addition to her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy Martin; grandson, Kyle Berger; brother, Hugh Harrelson; and sister, Margaret Clemmons.

With a blazing streak of independence, Joyce was a believer in “doing it yourself.” She was sassy and fastidious, and she never left you wondering how she liked things to be. Joyce’s tender heart always had room for animals. Though she preferred dogs, she was known to be a “cat whisperer” and could convince any stray that her home was theirs also.

Joyce’s free time was spent with a good book in hand. It was not uncommon to see her sitting in her chair under the carport with a novel in her hands and a cat in her lap. It was nothing unusual for Joyce to read a book a day and she looked forward to the grocery bags of books her family, friends, and neighbors brought to her. She was a meticulous seamstress and her creations were of great quality as well as great meaning.

Most importantly, Joyce was a believer in Christ. She held various positions in the churches she attended over her lifetime and raised her family in the church. Though Joyce’s body began to fail, her faith was still firm in the Lord.

A service of love and remembrance will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, December 11, 2023, at Rouse Funeral Home. The family will receive friends in the hour before the service. A committal service will be held at Fairview Cemetery immediately following.

Joyce is survived by her children, Becky Martin Berger (Fred), Pam Martin Herring (David), and Sherry Martin Price (Michael); grandchildren, Nikki Sasser (Brooks), Lauran Smith (Jason), Dave Herring (Danielle), Elizabeth Jones (Josh), Zachary Price (Courtney), and Justin Price (Taylor); great-grandchildren, Kyleigh Ann Sasser, Hickson Sasser, Isaac Herring, Amelia Herring, Liam Smith, Jack Smith, Lucas Jones, Jacob Jones, Grayleigh Price, and soon-to-be-born, Charlotte Price; and her brother, Harvey Harrelson.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joyce’s memory may be made to

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.