Joan Joyce May

Joan Joyce May, 93, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at her residence with her daughter and son-in-law by her side. A native of Yadkin County, she was born February 22, 1932 to the late Walter Lee Joyce and Beulah Ernestine Dezern Joyce and was the wife of 32 years to the late Carl Leon May.

Joan was a devoted member of the Mt. Hope United Church of Christ. She was actively involved in the VFW Auxiliary in Gibsonville, the Flying Rebels Motorcycle Club in Burlington, and also dedicated her time as a volunteer at Sedalia Elementary.

She had an extraordinary love for sports. An avid tennis player, Joan began playing singles and doubles at the Gibsonville Country Club, competing in various leagues and tournaments in Greensboro and Burlington. She participated in the Tennis Senior Games, achieving notable commendations on local, state, and national levels. Joan also enjoyed softball, playing in recreational leagues in Gibsonville and at the Mt. Hope Community League in Whitsett. She was very supportive of her husband, son-in-law and grandson in their sporting endeavors. Additionally, Joan loved playing Dominos and card games like Rook, Pinocle and Spades.

Joan cherished her annual trips to Oak Island Beach with family and close friends and on numerous occasions, she would travel to Southwest Florida to visit her sister and son. Many of these trips were made with Sharon and Pam, and others with Sharon and Ty. Joan was a dedicated “Gram” to Ty as she was his caregiver until he began public schooling.

She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Norwood (Tommy) of Garden City Beach, SC; grandson, Ty Norwood (Morgan) of Youngsville, NC; great grandchildren, Olivia Irene and Thomas Brooks; sister-in-law, Celia May Summers; five nieces, Cheryl Ann, Donna, Tami, Sheri, Donna and six nephews, Lynn, Larry, Tony, Darrell, Mike and Danny; her dear special friends, Cheryl Smith, Lee Garrett, Pam Litten, Sandy Jarrett, Wesley Jarrett. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and a son, Beary Leon May.

Deepest gratitude to AuthoraCare Collective (Hospice) of Greensboro and Burlington for the care, compassion and professionalism shown to Joan during this time.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00pm on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at Mt. Hope UCC by Rev. Kristen Gerner Vaughn. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mt. Hope UCC, 2400 Mt Hope Church Rd, Whitsett, NC 27377 or to AuthoraCare Collective (Hospice), 2504 Summit Ave, Greensboro, NC 27405.

Online condolences may be made at www.lowefuneralhome.com.