Joyce Ann Roache

SPRING HOPE - Joyce Ann Roache, age 78, left to be in a place of love on Friday, December 3, 2021. Born in Harnett County, NC on August 14, 1943, she was the daughter of the late David Lewis West and Viola Stewart West. In 1959 she met the love of her life, Stephen Wicker Roache, and married soon after in 1960. As the epitome of love, they shared over 60 years of trials, tribulations, and the building of a legacy to show generations to come what the perfect example of having each other in sickness and in health, for better or for worse truly means. Joyce enjoyed cooking for all, and baking was her specialty. Every Christmas she would make dozens of cookies and treats for each doctor, nurse, and office that she or Steve went to. Her favorite time of the year was spring and every flower she planted or saw made her smile grow. The brighter the better, no matter what it was and anything purple was a yes! She blessed us all with 78 years of love, humor, and Elvis songs. If you ever met Joyce, you would know that she was a force to be reckoned with whether it be her quick wit, love of family, or her zest for life. Over the years she made friends wherever she went, young or old. When life dealt her a hand that most people would fold, she played on and won the game. That was the determined card shark she was, whether in life or in a round of her favorite game, Rummy. While she may no longer be here on earth, "Joy" is dancing in heaven, catching up on lost times with her cherished mother. May we all relish in our memories, may we be greater for knowing her, and may we live life to the fullest as she did every minute of every day. Joyce is survived by her adoring husband, Stephen W. Roache, Sr.; her daughter, Misty Johnson and husband, Thomas, of Spring Hope; her son, Stephen Wicker Roache, II and wife, Beth, of Raleigh; her grandchildren, Miranda Boozell and husband, Nate, and Shannen Joyner and husband, Storm; the lights of her life, her great-grandchildren, Nixon Boozell and Sawyer Joyner; her sister, Sylvia Beltz, of Florida; and her brothers, Floyd West, of Hempstead, Jimmy West, of Laurinburg, and Doug West, of Laurinburg; along with various cousins, nieces and nephews. A private service will be at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 661 English Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com.