Mr. Barry Weldon Joyce, 63, died peacefully Friday, December 13, 2024, in his home, surrounded by loved ones, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Barry outlived the odds and enjoyed life to its fullest degree, thanks to a wonderful community of support, but in particular, his loving parents, James Weldon Joyce and Frances Hall Joyce, who preceded him in death.
Born May 9, 1961, Barry worked hard and often, assisting with tending to his family’s cattle. Later on, he would work at Glass Dynamics and Subway restaurant, as he was no stranger to hard work. Barry was extremely involved in Comer’s Chapel Baptist Church, where he remained a member for the entirety of his life. He was always grateful for his friends there and at the Madison-Mayodan Recreation Center, especially Dixie Penn. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed riding his 4-wheeler up and down his family’s dirt road and collecting snacks and sodas along the way, participating in Special Olympics, going to the beach and to Camp Saurakee, and watching Charlie’s Angels, Walker: Texas Ranger, and Wonder Woman on television. Barry’s brand of special is irreplaceable, and his energy and personality brightened every room. His affinity for cows, for coloring, and for ball caps was unmatched. Sadly, nurses in the vicinity will have to find someone else to blow them kisses. We will miss his hearty “Oh, Yeahs!” but we know he is reunited with his exceptional parents and having a joyous homecoming with them. His earthly suffering is no more, and for that, those of us left behind are thankful.
His family extends gratitude to his caregivers (Denise, Nick, Tracy, Annette, Connie, Gray, Jamie, Brandon, Jada, Angie, and Brian), Jimmy and Donna Lawson (preceded in death) of Madison, NC, and to Ancora Compassionate Care/Hospice of Rockingham County for their dedication and compassion. He also enjoyed spending time at the LEAF Adult Day Center in Reidsville, NC, and he appreciated his friends on ADTS transportation.
Barry is survived by Jamie Lawson (guardian/cousin) (Gray), of Winston-Salem, NC, Cindy Duncan (Jim) (cousin) of Madison, NC, Gina Ladefian (Bob) of Pittsburgh, PA , Becky Lozenski (Jim) of Plum, PA , Kent Knight (Kim) of Madison, NC, Keith Knight (Wendy) of Ellisboro, NC, Kirk Knight (Nancy), of Decatur, GA, Diana Reynolds (special friend Mike) of Winston-Salem, NC, Dana Reynolds (Rachelle) of Madison, NC, and Shirley Sharp (“Grandma”/special neighbor) of Madison, NC.
In lieu of flowers, gifts to the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Winston-Salem, 305 W. 4th Street, Suite #B11, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101,are appreciated.
Colonial Funeral Home in Madison is serving the family.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.colonialfh.net
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