October 14, 2023, 87, Hampstead —

Joyce Penuel Sears made her way to Heaven on Saturday, October 14, 2023. She was born in Wayne County on July 14, 1936, to N. Henry Penuel and Sadie Evans Penuel. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles “Bill” William Sears; two brothers, James and Charlie Penuel; and one sister, Pauline Mitchell.

Joyce loved and lived her life to the fullest. During her free time, she enjoyed baking and preparing potlucks for family and friends, especially the First PH Singles Ministry Group. She loved her family. Joyce had a heart of gold, loved deeply, encouraged others, and believed in all of us. Her grandchildren were the apple of her eye.

Joyce retired as a bookkeeper and was a valuable employee for Roses, General Industries Inc., Crawford Norwood, Diane Shop, and Thompson Harmony Hall of Goldsboro.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Seymour Funeral Home followed by a service to celebrate Joyce’s life at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel with Rev. Andy Stovall officiating.

Joyce is survived by her daughter, Sally Sears-Lawson and husband, Jerry Jr. of Hampstead; grandsons, Jerry III and wife, Emily of Goldsboro, William, and Andrew of Hampstead; one great-granddaughter, Ava Rae of Goldsboro; one brother, John “Buck” Penuel; one sister, Linda Eytcheson; along with extended family and friends.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Woodbury Wellness and Lower Cape Fear Hospice Center and Andrew’s Mortuary and Seymour Funeral Home for your services and care.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be given in her memory to
Lower Cape Fear LifeCare
1414 Physicians Drive
Wilmington, NC 28401

Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.