Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

Joyce was born on December 3, 1931, at Jamaica Hospital in Queens, New York. She grew up in Floral Park, Long Island, and graduated from Sewanhaka High School in 1949 before attending Adelphi College for two years. Her life took a wonderful turn when she met Relma D. Orrell, affectionately known as Rel, on a blind date. Rel was a 1950 graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point. The two fell in love and were married on September 15, 1951, in Garden City, New York, beginning a marriage that would span 60 years.

Joyce and Rel settled in White Plains, New York, where they welcomed their two children, Suzanne and Donald. In 1970, the family relocated to Bridgewater, New Jersey. Joyce devoted her early years to raising her family as a homemaker before accepting a secretarial position with the Bridgewater Township Police Department, a role she thoroughly enjoyed and held for many years.

Throughout their marriage, Joyce and Rel shared a passion for boating and were actively involved in both the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the United States Power Squadrons. Among their treasured memories was the opportunity to transport members of the media during the 1986 centennial celebration of the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor.

Joyce's love of the water began long before her marriage. Some of her fondest childhood memories were of summers spent in Lindenhurst, along the south shore of Long Island. Those carefree golden days were filled with sunshine, boating, and time spent with her sister, Janet; her dear cousin, Kathleen; and her dog, Tootsie.

In 1991, Joyce and Rel retired to the Little River/North Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina, where they continued to enjoy life on the water. Joyce also became an accomplished knitter, lovingly creating scarves, hats, blankets, and ponchos for family and friends. Her handmade gifts were just one of the many ways she expressed her love for others.

To her grandchildren, Scott, Grace, and Nicole, she was simply "Nana." Their memories of summer vacations with Nana and Grandaddy are filled with days at the beach, afternoons by the pool, rounds of miniature golf, and fresh shrimp purchased right off the shrimp boats. These simple pleasures became treasured family traditions.

Joyce and Rel were fortunate to travel extensively, visiting destinations including Hawaii, New Zealand, Fiji, and the Panama Canal. Yet, despite their wonderful adventures, their favorite journeys may well have been the trips from South Carolina to New Jersey to spend time with their grandchildren. Whether attending dance recitals, cheering at cross-country races, or gathering for holidays and special occasions, they delighted in being present for the moments that mattered most.

Joyce was a woman of strong convictions, unwavering faith, and impeccable manners. She rarely needed to issue demands, but those who knew her understood that certain expectations were simply non-negotiable. Church on Sundays. Grace before dinner. Never, take the Lord's name in vain. Write thank-you notes—always. There was no excuse for a misspelled word. Cleanliness was truly next to godliness. Make your bed. And above all, manners, manners, manners! These principles were more than household rules; they reflected the values by which Joyce lived and the legacy she leaves to her children and grandchildren.

In her later years, Joyce faced significant mobility challenges that limited her ability to enjoy many of the activities she had once loved. Nevertheless, she maintained the sweet and gentle spirit that endeared her to those around her. Even as her physical world grew smaller, her love for her family and her steadfast faith remained strong.

Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years, Relma D. Orrell, and her sister, Janet Quinn Watkins.

She is survived by her daughter, Suzanne Chamberlin of Allamuchy, New Jersey; her son, Donald Orrell and his wife, Gina, of Mooresville, North Carolina; and her three grandchildren, Gunnery Sergeant Scott Chamberlin, USMC, and his wife, Stephanie, of Sanford, North Carolina, Grace Chamberlin of Durham, North Carolina, and Nicole Orrell of San Diego, California. She is also survived by her beloved first cousin, Kathleen Carroll Townshend of Red Bank, New Jersey.

The family wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff at Windsor Run and Piedmont Overlook in Matthews, North Carolina, as well as to VIA Hospice Care and the many compassionate caregivers from Visiting Angels, Aroga, and other organizations who assisted Joyce during her final years. Their kindness, patience, and devoted care brought comfort to Joyce and her family, and will always be remembered with sincere appreciation.

In accordance with Joyce's wishes, she will be cremated, and her ashes will be scattered at sea. As were Rel’s.  A memorial service will be held at a later date at First Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan's Purse at www.samaritanspurse.org.

After a lifetime of loving the ocean and sharing so many wonderful adventures with Rel, it is comforting to imagine Joyce reunited with her beloved husband once again. And surely, there must be an ocean in heaven. Fair winds and following seas, Joyce and Rel.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606.  Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.