Joyce Ann Dixon Bohannon

It deeply saddens us that Joyce Ann Dixon Bohannon passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 16, 2012, at Vidant Hospital (Pitt County Memorial Hospital) Greenville, North Carolina. She was born on March 4, 1943, in Norfolk, Virginia, to the late George Dixon and Viola Totsie Bryant Dixon Butts.

Her formal education was received in the Halifax County Public School System and she graduated from the former William R. Davie High School in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, with the class of 1961. Joyce continued her education at the University of South Florida, in Tampa, and was awarded her Bachelor of Arts Degree in elementary education in May 1965.

In August 1965, she was united in Holy Matrimony to James (Jimmie) Michael Bohannon. God blessed this union with one daughter. She was a loving devoted wife, mother and sister who dedicated her life to taking care of her family and supporting their efforts in every endeavor.

She became employed with the Halifax County School System and returned to her Alma Mater, William R. Davie, as a teacher. She left an indelible mark on thousands of young people, encouraging, challenging and inspiring them to be the best they could be. Her love was unconditional and she never departed from the foundation of her purpose. During her later years of employment, she served the county as an Instructional Specialist and continued to nurture her passion for educating the children of Halifax County. She retired in 1999, after thirty-four years of committed service.

In addition to her many duties as a wife, mother, and employee, Joyce also found the time in her busy schedule to serve the community. Her untiring efforts were instrumental with CADA, The Pilot Club of the Roanoke Valley, William R. Davie Alumni Association, Halifax County Department of Social Services, Roanoke Valley Medical Ministries, and many other social and civic organizations.

For the last seven years, Joyce battled Endstage Renal Disease and remained the quintessential steel magnolia throughout her entire illness. Her positive attitude, strength and contagious spirit were exemplary. She fought a valiant fight and was courageous until the end.

Her precious memory will be forever treasured by her loving, caring husband, Jimmie Bohannon; her devoted daughter, Tammy Michelle Bohannon and her fianc, Robert Bob Clark;

Her sister, Carolyn Gilliam and her husband, Billy Gilliam; her aunt, Virginia Britton; her mother-in-law, Faye P. Bohanon; her brother, Doug Bohanon; her very special sister-in-law, Barbara Bohanon Pittman; three nieces, Lisa Gupton and husband Ken, Sandy Dixon and husband Jeffrey, and Carol Dee Bohanon; three nephews, Lee Gilliam and wife Debbie, Michael Bohanon and wife Kim, and Brian Bohanon and wife Robin; three great-nieces, Ashlyn Bohanon, Ashley Collins, and Leann Gilliam; four great-nephews, Carson and Seth Bohanon, Tyler Gupton, and Cameron Podruchny; many other relatives and a multitude of friends.

A special thanks to the Dr. Cynthia R. Christano, and Dr. Robert Harland.

The family will receive friends from 5:30-8:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 20, 2012 at Hockaday Funeral Home in Roanoke Rapids. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, May 21, 2012 at the funeral home. Expressions of comfort will be given by Reverend Henry Stephens.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in honor of Joyce D. Bohannon to the National Kidney Foundation of North Carolina, 4819 Park Road, Suite C, Charlotte, NC 28209-3842.

For more information, please contact Hockaday Funeral Home..