Joyce Sowers Kunkle of Statesville, N.C., a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on May 7, 2025, at the Gordon Hospice House after a brief illness. Born on November 9, 1931, in Iredell County, N.C., she was the daughter of Carl Sharpe Sowers and Pearl Brawley Mills Sowers.

Joyce was a dedicated professional who worked for Jano, Jones and Barnard CPAs, ultimately culminating in the ownership and operation of her own bookkeeping service. Her contributions to the community extended beyond her career; she had a very giving spirit and loved to help others, which endeared her to many.

A proud graduate of Cool Spring High School in 1949, Joyce later attended Mitchell Community College, furthering her pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement. She was a former member of First ARP Church of Statesville and embraced her faith as a dedicated member of Beulah Baptist Church for over 50 years, where she taught the fifth-grade Sunday School class. Her involvement in the church included being a member of the Beulah Church Prayer and Support Team and the Auxiliary of Gideons International. Additionally, she inspired many through her volunteer work with the Senior Friends at Davis Regency Medical Center.

Joyce was not only a passionate professional but a devoted homemaker. She found joy in sewing, cooking, and canning vegetables, taking great pride in maintaining a clean and welcoming home. Her legacy is reflected in the warm memories created through her culinary skills and the love she shared with her family.

She was the cherished mother of two daughters, Angela K. Charles (Bill) of Winston-Salem, N.C., and Carole Page (Ed) of Huntersville, N.C. Joyce was also a proud grandmother to three grandchildren, Kathryn Brodbeck (Alex) of New York City, Will Page of the USAF stationed at Peterson SFB in Colorado, and Sam Page of the U.S. Army stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington. Joyce is also survived by her sister-in-law, Alison R. Sowers of Statesville, N.C.

Joyce is reunited in eternal rest with her beloved husband, Earl Bernard Kunkle; her brothers, C. Edgar Sowers and Donald Sowers; her sisters, Lorene S. Jano and Frances S. Moore; and her parents.

A graveside service will be held on May 15, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Oakwood Cemetery, North Oakwood Drive, Statesville, N.C., where family, friends, and loved ones will gather to honor and celebrate her remarkable life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Beulah Baptist Church by clicking here, or to Gideon’s International by clicking here.

Joyce Sowers Kunkle will be remembered for her unwavering commitment to her family, her faith, and her community. Her generous spirit and caring nature will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Nicholson Funeral Home is honored to serve the Kunkle family.