Joyce Delores (McDuffie) Barbour

Joyce McDuffie Barbour passed away in her home on April 21st, 2024 at the age of 89.  

She was proceeded in death by her husband W.A. “Dub” Barbour and her daughter Shelia Bolduc.  Joyce was the last surviving sibling of 2 brothers and 3 sisters.  Mac McDuffie, Currell McDuffie, Opal and Margaret.  

She was born August 10, 1934 to Owen Stead McDuffie and Mary Elizabeth Jarmon. She graduated from Broadway High School in 1952

She was crowned “Mrs. Broadway” in the same year.  Joyce was a beautiful woman both inside and out. She met the love of her life W.A. “Dub” Barbour and went on to have a fulfilling and loving marriage for 67 years.  Her children and grandchildren were everything to her.  She never missed a holiday or birthday.  She would always put on a beautiful party and have an amazing spread of her homemade food. 

Joyce is survived by son Mike Barbour and wife Jan, daughter Rhonda Williams and husband Jerry.   She is also survived by grandchildren Dana Hamm (Scott), Lori Slifer (Scott), Christian Bolduc (Reilly), Carson Bolduc, Nichole Williams, Justine Yigitbasi (Josh), Desiree Williams, Meggan Williams and 11 great-grandchildren and numerous extended family.

Mrs. Barbour was truly valued in the community. Her compassionate nature took form early as she achieved her License in Practical Nursing and worked throughout the Sanford area in doctor’s offices.  There she loved being a nurse and helping others.  After she raised her children, Joyce saw needs within her city. This is when she took on the task of spearheading and organizing programs across the community coordinating with the Salvation Army, local churches, the police department and Lee County Social Services.  

In 1989 she started Coats for Kids, it yielded hundreds of coats throughout Sanford. A tradition that continued on every year with the help of local organizations and individuals that helped donate coats for the drive.  She served for six years as president of Women’s Aglow in Sanford, board member to the Salvation Army, board member on the Lee County Health Board, board member of local charter schools, a Sunday school teacher for her women’s Bible study and organizer for the church’s “Outreach of Love” in which the responsibilities were organizing an annual Thanksgiving meal to families in need, she pioneered a radio-broadcasted Bible-read-a-thon on Palm Sunday to Easter and most recently she hosted the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at her church where she and other church members provided catered lunches for law enforcement officials. 

In 2008, Joyce was awarded Sanford Herald Woman of the Year.  Throughout her ministries and outreach, she has touched thousands of lives.  

Joyce was a devoted wife and mother, avid reader and charter member of Hillview Christian Assembly for years.  

Joyce always enjoyed looking her best. She didn’t miss her weekly trips to the ‘beauty shop’ as she would say.  She said she felt like a new woman when she got a wash and style! 

She enjoyed traveling the world by cruise ships, motor homes and air planes, she visited the Holy Lands three times.  She always had her camera ready as she collected stacks of photo albums from around the world.  

The beach held a special place in her heart.  She would plan a yearly beach trip with the entire family.  She would wake each morning and make the family a huge breakfast. Then the family would lounge on the beach, swimming and basking in the sun all day watching the waves come in.  

Her hands were rarely still.  She shared her love of food with her family and friends at her “Sunday dinner” after church.  Joyce was a southern home cook extraordinaire. Chicken and dumplings, macaroni and cheese, pot roast, bbq chicken, biscuits, gravy and all the Summer vegetables and fruits would adorn her table.  She had her own gardens over the years or found local farms where she preserved the foods and knew the art of canning and freezing to enjoy the harvest all year. 

Joyce had many wonderful facets of her life. Overall, her main focus was loving and serving the Lord.  Everything she did, she did it with a heart full of love and kindness. Anyone she met felt loved after sharing a conversation with her… She could recite Bible verses and explain any chapter of the Bible.  

Her life was a living example of the Bible.

The family will receive friends Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Hillview Christian Assembly with the funeral service following at 2:00 PM with Pastor Ray Boden officiating.  Burial will follow at Shallow Well Church Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made, in Joyce’s memory, to The Salvation Army of Lee County, 507 N. Steele Str., Sanford, NC 27330, or Liberty Hospice, 1005 Carthage Street, Sanford, NC 27330.

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