Julia Sutherland Joyce (JULIE), age 84, passed away on October 27, 2023.
A celebration of her life will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, October 30, 2023 at Mayodan Moravian Church. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Sunday at Colonial Funeral Home in Madison.
She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Ronald Joyce; sons, Thomas, Robert; daughter, Erin; sister, Ruthie Jackson; grandchildren, Mason, Dayton, Logan, Penn, Ella and Malena.
She was preceded in death by her parents Charles T. Sutherland and Jean Seigel Sutherland.
Julia was born December 19, 1938 to the late Charles and Jean Sutherland in Durham, North Carolina. She was a 1961 graduate of Duke University with a major in religions. She worked for several years as Director of Christian Education in both Methodist and Presbyterian churches in Asheville,NC. She was named Director of Asheville /Buncombe county youth council. Many years after serving the church her life lead her in a new direction to follow her passion of Dance. She went back to school and earned a masters in Dance Education at UNCG. Her life revolved around dance. She taught Dance in movement in several high schools. She created and managed dance/exercise class for seniors called “Revive.” She even worked hard and produced a work out video in the early 80’s well before JANE FONDA. She taught classes at Mayodan Recreation Center for over 20 years.
Julie lived her life in faith and a true love for helping others. She taught Sunday school and served on the board of elders at Mayodan Moravian Church. She also traveled to Africa on a mission trip to supply water to remote areas Ghana. She lived her life for others and was a devoted wife and mother. Julie’s heart was always with her first love, Ron. Julies purpose and feeling of worth was serve and honor her husband. She took this job very seriously and always, always made sure Ron was happy and well taken care of while in the home and within the community.
Back to her passion, her heart and being was meant to DANCE!!! Her happy place was sitting by her Ron, holding hands, smiling, laughing and sharing life.
She also loved spending long weekends at their home on the lake in Smith Mountain. Many of the families best memories were spent at the lake. Julie was a true host, always prepared with appetizers, fresh flowers on the table and many beverages to choose from.
She listened and danced every single day. Even on the final days the music was still playing. Julie is up with the angels dancing and smiling down on us.
In leu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Mayodan Moravian Church.
Colonial Funeral Home in Madison is serving the family.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.colonialfh.net
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