Obituary

ROCKY MOUNT – Joyce Patterson Overton, age 85, went home to be with her Lord and Saviour on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. Born in Nash County, NC on July 26, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Roy Patterson, Sr. and Myrtie Bissette Patterson. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Thomas “Tommy” William Overton; her granddaughter, Melissa Ann Everette; and her sisters, Tina Faye Patterson, Gertrude Patterson Williams, and Mattie Patterson Joyner.

A woman of great faith, Joyce was a strong advocate for her lord, Jesus Christ, and was a longtime, faithful member of Northside Community Church. She cherished spending time with her family, church family, her fur baby “Blondie”, and working in her flower garden. For years Joyce owned and operated Country Tyme Florist and prior to going into business for herself she worked for Rocky Mount Undergarments and Abbott Labs. Following her retirement from her flower shop, Joyce moved on to working at Lowes as a cashier. A staunch Dallas Cowboys fan, she was especially known for her love and enjoyment of chocolate and Pepsi, fishing, and under no circumstances would she ever go anywhere without her red lipstick. A devoted and loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and dear friend to many, Joyce will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

Joyce is survived by her daughter, MaryAnn Overton Gotowala; her sons, Randy Wayne Overton (Karen) and Michael Overton (Cathy); her grandchildren, Ryan Overton, Kristy Bumpass (Kevin), Ashley Salter (Adam), Daniel Overton (Elizabeth), Talon Gotowala (Sarah), Jenna Gotowala (Andy), Hope Gotowala (Taylor), Austin Overton (Abby), and Lainey Overton; her great grandchildren, Isaac Winstead (Lauren), Christopher Tinder, Thomas Valentine, Daxton Wiggs, Parker Salter, Raylee Overton, Oliver Gotowala, Aria Nienke, and Myles Salter; her sisters, Judy Patterson Guthrie and Brenda Patterson Williams; her brothers, Roy Patterson, Jr., Jerry Lane Patterson, and Vernon “Ray” Patterson, Sr.; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dearest friends.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Joyce’s life will be held on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, NC 27804. Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. Visitation with the family will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.