Joyce Robinson Kirkpatrick passed away peacefully on April 21, 2025, in her home, with her family by her side. Joyce was born on May 4, 1933, in Bessemer City, North Carolina, to JJ and Chloe Robinson. The second of four daughters, Joyce shared a deep and loving bond with her sisters, and together they created many cherished childhood memories.
During Joyce’s elementary school years, the family moved to Hickory. She graduated from Hickory High School in 1951 and then attended nearby Lenoir-Rhyne College, where she played in the band and graduated with a teaching degree. It was on the tennis courts at Lenoir-Rhyne where Joyce first met the love of her life, Donald Lee Kirkpatrick. Don and Joyce were married on December 27,1953 at Miller’s Lutheran Church in Hickory. Soon thereafter, they moved to Granite Falls where they each began their teaching careers, living in the teacherage on Falls Avenue before building their home of more than sixty years on Clearview Street. Together, Don and Joyce raised three sons, James Lee, Donald Lynn and Marc Alan
With Don, Joyce spent the rest of her life in Granite Falls, where they raised their boys and found much joy in youth athletics. While Don coached, Joyce chased and cheered for all the games and sporting events. She and Don together were well involved in their community. Joyce taught mostly third and sixth grades at Granite Falls Elementary School, touching the lives of hundreds of students across her thirty years as an educator. She was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, a national sorority for teachers, for many years. Beyond the classroom, Joyce found joy in quilting, sewing, knitting, and her beloved weekly bridge club. In retirement, she and Don treasured the opportunity to travel and see many parts of the country and the world.
For over sixty years, Joyce was an active member of Philadelphia Lutheran Church, where she was a faithful member of the Willing Workers Sunday School Class and participated in the women’s WELCA group and the church choir. She and Don loved little more than a Sunday with all of their children and grandchildren joining them in the pews at Philadelphia Lutheran Church.
Joyce and Don made their home warm and welcoming for all who visited, and Joyce always found special joy in the family gatherings and traditions they carried out together. She enjoyed offering a wide spread of home cooked dishes, typically including green beans and corn on the cob from their own garden, her delicious home-made pickles and always complete with the favorite cakes and confections requested by her children and grandchildren. Joyce loved her home in Granite Falls all the way to her last days.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Donald Lee Kirkpatrick; her parents, JJ and Chloe Robinson; and two of her beloved sisters, Ethel Balch and Lib Glover.
She is survived by her sister, Barbara Louise Humburg (Lowell); her three sons, James (Mary), Donald (Misty), and Marc (Lisa); seven grandchildren, Valerie, Molly, Davis, Miller, Jackson, Justice, and Cooper; and four great-grandchildren, Jayden, Jediah, Jrue, and Javeon. She is also fondly remembered by several nieces, nephews, and a circle of treasured friends.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Philadelphia Lutheran Church in Granite Falls, NC. A service to celebrate Joyce’s life will follow at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Rev. Chris Bass. Interment will take place at Catawba Memorial Park Cemetery in Hickory.
The family would like to offer profound gratitude for the loving group of caregivers from Caregivers by Design who served Joyce faithfully, with special thanks to Sarah Eckerd and caregiver and friend, Alice Rockette. They are also deeply thankful to the staff of Carolina Caring (Hospice), with special appreciation for nurse Justine, who provided exceptional care to both Don and Joyce during their final years. The ongoing love and support of Philadelphia Lutheran Church meant the world to Joyce and to her family, all the way to her last Holy Communion just days before her passing.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Philadelphia Lutheran Church at, 52 Pinewood Drive, Granite Falls, NC 28630 or to Carolina Caring (Hospice and Palliative Care), 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658.
An online guestbook and obituary are available at www.mackiefh.com.
Mackie Funeral Service and Cremations is assisting the family.
So very sorry for your loss. Your mom was my seventh grade teacher and she was awesome! In fact, I encountered both of your parents years ago on an early morning walk. We stopped and chatted for a while and I told her at that time that I considered her as one of the best teachers I have had. Her face just lit up in a big smile and she thanked me for the sentiment. May God bless all of you as you are going through this time of loss. You are in my prayers.
Two of the finest people I have ever known. Prayers for all the family.
Lovely lady will be missed. Prayers for your family.
Joyce was my best friend. I love her dearly! Love , blessings and sympathiy to you James Lee (Mary), Donald Lynn( Misty) , Marc Alan(Lisa) and families . She was the best and happiest wife (coach) and Mom (athletes) daughter and sister l have known . We shared so much through the years, I cherish every word. Our greatest bond beyond families was our faith and love in Jesus Christ our precious Lord and Savior! Yes, it happens Lutherans and Baptist💜✝️
We are so deeply sorry for your loss. But, we all can find comfort in knowing Joyce is at peace and whole again with The Lord and her husband, Don.
Thank you for allowing us to serve both Don and Joyce.
Our prayers for comfort as you say goodbye for now are for the entire family. We will forever keep the memory of Joyce’s sweet smile and kind demeanor in our hearts.
Love to you all.