Joyce Ann Philemon Smith, 86, was born to Alma Batton and Clarence Lee Philemon on Saturday, June 7, 1930, in Wilmington N.C. She a passed away peacefully in her sleep Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017.
Growing up near Monkey Junction, she had five siblings, Christine, Dick, Mike, Clarence Lee Jr. and Francis. Joyce graduated from New Hanover High School in 1948 and then attended James Walker School of Nursing, where she completed her studies and became a registered nurse at James Walker Memorial Hospital in 1951. Marrying J.D. Holder in 1952, she had two children, Susan Diane Holder and James Doyle Holder Jr.
J.D. passed away in 1965, and she married Posey Smith the following year. She returned to nursing in the 1980’s by teaching at Cape Fear Community College and working part time as an R.N. at New Hanover Memorial. She was a loved and active member of Winter Park Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, reading, helping others and spending time with friends and family.
She is survived by her sister, Francis Jernigan; son, James Doyle Holder Jr.; daughter-in-law, Carol Holder; grandchildren, Christy Cummings, Andrew Woodcock, Shannon Auman, Daniel Holder and Molly Holder; and great-grandchildren, Sean, Aubrey, Addie and Xander.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, at Andrew’s Mortuary on Market Street. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16, at Winter Park Presbyterian Church.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Winter Park Presbyterian Church, 4501 Wrightsville Ave., Wilmington, NC 28403.
