Joyce Downer Mrs. Batykefer

LILESVILLE - Mrs. Joyce Downer Batykefer, 78, died Saturday, February 22, 2014 at Richmond County Hospice Haven in Rockingham. Services will be 2:00pm Tuesday, February 25, 2014 by the graveside at Savannah United Methodist Church Cemetery with Rev. Kaye Fry officiating. The family will greet friends following the service. Joyce was born August 7, 1935 in Anson County, NC a daughter of the late Edwin Carver Downer and the late Grace Pauline Tarleton Downer. She was a graduate of Lilesville High School and Pfeiffer Junior College, where she played basketball and was voted 'friendliest' student. Joyce was a hardworking and dedicated employee, working and retiring from W. R. Bonsal Company after more than 30 years of service. Besides her children, one of Joyce's greatest loves and passions was Savannah United Methodist Church of which she had been a member of for more than 40 years. She was one of the last few members of the church to help sustain its opened doors, monthly worship service and annual homecoming. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, John William 'Jack' Batykefer, Jr. and by her brother, Edwin Carver Downer, Jr. Surviving are her children, Dawn Leonard of South Port, Dena (Patrick) Evans of Rockingham and John W. (Cheryl) Batykefer, III stationed at Lakenheath Air Force Base, Thetford, England; her grandchildren, Kelsey Baker, Holli Wood, Summer Leonard, Will Batykefer and Abby Batykefer; and her sister, Catherine (John) Neal of Lilesville. Joyce will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother and sister. A friend to many, although confined to her home, she maintained her relationships by keeping up with her family and friends via her telephone ministry and later on Facebook. Her quick wit, candor and kind spirit will be missed by all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Savannah United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Dena Batykefer Evans, 164 Happy Valley Rd., Rockingham, NC 28379. The arrangements are in care of Leavitt Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.leavittfuneralhomewadesboro.com