Joyce Edwards Carter

Joyce Edwards Carter went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 22, 2026. She passed peacefully in her sleep at Wesley Pines Retirement Community, with her beloved daughter by her side.

Joyce was born to the late Princeton and Sudie Autry Edwards, on June 3, 1934, in Roseboro, N.C. She relocated to Fayetteville after marrying in 1954 and made her home in the Massey Hill community, which she loved. She resided in the same home for 69 years!

Joyce's life's work was with the Cumberland County Veterans Service Office. She was a dedicated employee there for 38 years, starting as a secretary and retiring as Director of the office. She most enjoyed her job as Veterans Service Officer because she found purpose and meaning in assisting veterans and their families in getting the benefits they so richly deserved.

In addition to her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Lentz Horner Carter, and her brother, Donnie Lubert Edwards, Sr. She is survived by her daughter Lela (Mark) Clark, of Lumberton; her three sisters, Grey Thompson, of Whiteville, Mary Love Royal, of Raleigh, and Carolyn Honeycutt, of Clinton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Joyce was a charter member of Hillside Baptist Church. The family requests that in lieu of flowers,  memorial donations be made out to Hillside Baptist, PO Box 340, Hope Mills, N.C. 28348, in her name. The family also thanks the staff of Wesley Pines Retirement Community for the caring love and attention they provided during a difficult time.

Services for Joyce will be held Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Hillside Baptist Church, at 1:00pm. The family will be welcoming guests and friends prior to the service starting at 12:00pm. Following the services, Joyce will be laid to rest at Fayetteville Memorial Cemetery.

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