Joyce Marie Avery “Sissy”

Joyce Marie Avery “Sissy”, 84, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2025, at home in Suffolk, Virginia, surrounded by those who loved her.

A home going service will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, May 17, at Queen Street Missionary Baptist Church, 510 Queen Street, Beaufort NC 28516. Interment will follow at Carteret Memorial Gardens.

Joyce was born on February 4, 1941, in Beaufort, NC, to Samuel McDonald and Carrie E. Anderson. She was a graduate of Queen Street High and worked various jobs. She loved working in her yard, cooking and raising her children. 

She is survived by her children, Jessica Elizabeth Avery of Beaufort, NC, James Melvin Avery (Donnetta) of Suffolk, VA, and Steven Lamont Avery (Tanya) of Tarboro, NC; nine grandchildren, Tiffani, Jarrell, Jonathan, Stephen, Tiffani, Steffani, Alyssa, Trevon, Kyle; a host of great grandchildren; one niece, Pheon McDonald; two nephews, Charles McDonald and Steven Dunn; and a host of cousins.

In addition to her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her two brothers, John Allen McDonald and Charles Steven McDonald.

The family would like to thank everyone for their kind wishes and prayers.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.