Joyce Thomas Cole

Joyce Thomas Cole, 81, of Sanford passed away Thursday April 3, 2025. Funeral services will be held on Monday April 7, 2025, at Rocky Fork Christian Church at 1pm. Burial to follow in the church cemetery.

Joyce was born in Lee Co. to the late Ernest “June” Thomas Jr. and Fairy Dinkins Thomas. Joyce loved her family and was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed being at home and tending to her flowers. She was a generous person who helped many families with dinners, made stuffed animals for Rocky Fork Christian Church and dresses for children with the Sewing Sisters group at Pocket Church.

She is survived by her husband William Cole Sr.; children Teresa Nicholson (Donald) and William “Billy” Cole Jr. (Lisa); grandchildren Jacob Nicholson (Karey), Caleb Nicholson, Daniel Cole (Kelsey), and Mary Beth Diehl (Jacob); sister Gloria Thomas (Joel); and brother Barry Thomas (Gloria).

The family will receive friends from 6-8pm at Solid Rock Community Church on Sunday April 6, 2025.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Lemons Springs UMC PO Box 129, Lemon Springs NC 28355 or to Rocky Fork Christian Church 4246 Rocky Fork Church Rd, Sanford, NC 27332, or to Solid Rock Community Church 989 White Hill Rd, Sanford, NC 27332 or to Open Arms Church 244 South Street, Vass 28394.