Joyce Early Tucker, 83, of Gold Hill, NC, passed away on November 09, 2022 at Rowan Medical Center in Salisbury, NC.

She was born in Gaston, NC, to the late William Grayson Early and Georgia Elma Ross Early. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, David Tucker, 5 brothers, 2 sisters and many other relatives and friends. Joyce grew up in North Carolina where she lived until after graduating from high school. After that she moved to Michigan where she attended college at Baptist Bible Institute where she met David Tucker. He later joined the Air Force and spent 15 months in Germany. He came home for a month, they were married and both spent 15 more months in Germany. After returning home to Michigan, Joyce got a job teaching in North Adams, MI where she taught for 33 years.

During that time she earned a teaching degree from Sienia Heights and a Masters degree from Michigan State University. Until retiring in 1990, she taught almost all the elementary grades, her favorite was First Grade. For about 10 years she directed and taught the Title I Chapter I remedial reading programs. She also taught a number of after school Lasting Impact Programs. These included a cooking class and a few plays. She directed the all school Christmas program. Joyce attended church at First Baptist Church of North Adams, MI and North Newton Baptist Church in NC. She served as deaconess, missions secretary, Sunday School Teacher, youth leader, Bible School worker, nursery worker and sang in the choirs. She also served as financial and secretarial assistant to the pastor, her brother Dr. Tom Early while in Newton, NC

SURVIVORS: Sons: Kent Tucker and wife Tammy, Gold Hill, NC

Vern Tucker and wife Cathy, Alexis, NC

3 Grandchildren, 3 Great Grandchildren

Many nieces and nephews

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Thursday, November 17, 2022 at 2:00 PM in the Ollie Harris Memorial Chapel with Reverend Tom Early and Caleb Kennedy officiating.

VISITATION: Thursday, November 17, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM prior to the service at Harris Funeral Home

INTERMENT: Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, North Carolina

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