Joyce Ann Deaton Norris, formerly of Yancey County, entered into the gates of Heaven in the early hours of January 17th, 2026. She passed peacefully in the company of her daughters and was no doubt greeted by her Lord and Savior; as well as her loving husband of 38 years, Jimmy Lowell Norris (d. 1997). Joyce was born on May 1st, 1941 to Cansadia and Fitzhugh Deaton in Erwin, TN. In addition to her parents and spouse; Joyce was preceded in death by siblings: Marjorie Hall, Nola Horton and Ila Foster.
She married her one true love, Jim in 1958 and they built a beautiful life. Their time together was spent raising their two daughters, operating several businesses across eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, traveling the world and spreading the gospel as members of The Gideons International.
Joyce was a vibrant personality; her sharp wit and humor will be missed dearly. She loved fiercely and with honesty; you always knew where she stood on things, and you always knew it was because of her love. If you were ever lucky enough to find yourself in a room with her, her sisters and nieces, then you know you would be hard-pressed to find that much laughter and glamour anywhere else. She enjoyed fellowship, shopping, dining, traveling and spending time with loved ones. Most of all Joyce was a devout follower of Christ and centered Him in all aspects of life. She attended church faithfully through her life and through many moves and was a member of Low Gap Freewill Baptist Church; where her husband Jim served as a deacon, teacher and song leader.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughters: Jan Harris (Keith) and Melanie Robinson (Mark); grandchildren: Jason Robinson, Jaren Robinson, Olivia Webb (Jake), Jade Randolph (Wesley) and Chase Harris (Skyler); six great grandchildren: Carson, Ila, Willow, Darcey, Stella, and Miley, who brought her so much joy in the last few years. She is also survived by several siblings, all of eastern Tennessee: Charlotte McCurry, Inez Chandler, Gene Deaton and Carroll Deaton.
Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, January 21st, 2026 at Low Gap Freewill Baptist Church. Rev. Gene Deaton and Pastor Roger Thompson will officiate. Pallbearers will be: Jaren Robinson, Chase Harris, Jake Webb, Wesley Randolph, Mark Peterson and Mark Robinson. The family will receive friends from 12 p.m. until 1 p.m. prior to the funeral services at the church. A graveside service will follow in the McKinney Gap Cemetery.
The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff of The Greens in Spruce Pine and to Hospice of the Blue Ridge for their attentive care of Joyce in her final years. Their support to the family and their love for Joyce (especially her “feisty” personality) has meant so much.
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