November 30, 1934 - September 17, 2024
Joyce was born in St. Lunaire on November 30, 1934, to the Late William and Alice (Compton) Earle. But that is only the beginning of her story.
On November 13, 1952, when she was 18 years old, she married the love of her life, Noah Patey. He was her confidant, support, encourager, and strength, right to the end.
In the years that followed, ten children were born to them - Roy (Annie), Selma (Newell), Verick (Karen), Dean (Wavey), Frank (Sharon), Lloyd (Brenda), Roger (Kathy), Rowena (Wade), Glenda (Scott), the baby of the family, Charlie (Denise), and her special niece, Lori. She loved their spouses as much as them, but especially the grandchildren they gave her - 17 of them in total - Kenny, Jamie, Charlene, Angie, Gregory, Mandy, Ryan, Stephanie, Samantha, Damian, Candace, Janelle, Nichole, Courtney, Jeffrey, Jessica, and Caleb, plus two step-granddaughters, Melissa and Jessica. In the years to follow, great-grandchildren were born, and it is possible she loved them most of all - Lucas, Daniel, Rebecca, Paige, Mason, Jake, Kylie, Judah, Maxx, Benjamin, Rachel, and Ross. For almost 72 years, Joyce and Noah’s was a story of love, patience, generosity, and commitment, a legacy and example that will not soon be forgotten.
Joyce loved berry picking, especially partridge berries and bake apples, and was known to scrape over the “mish” before the berries were even ripe. You could always count on her to catch the biggest fish, or to get a trout or smelt when no one else could manage to get a bite. She’s was a constant companion to “Noar”, whether it was a trip to the woods, Main Brook for trouting, berry picking across the bay, or just for a ride in the latest vehicle. And how can we forget the molasses buns, fresh bread, chocolate chips cookies, and candies that were always found in plenty.
She was also known a
s the canteen lady for years, operating the school cafeteria at A. Garrigus Pentecostal School, until she retired. It was there many students, and sometimes a teacher, had their debts forgiven, and everyone knew the smile of “Aunt Joyce.”
But most importantly, Joyce was a woman of great, unshakeable faith. Life was sometimes a challenge. But you could always find her at home drawing a Promise from the Promise Box, or reading her Bible, and she was always eager to pray for her family and assure them everything was going to be okay. She was a faithful supporter of her church and her pastors, and taught Sunday school and led the preschool class at VBS for many years, along with her sister in law, Mary. If there was ever a woman of God, Joyce Patey was just that.
She was predeceased by her parents, her in-laws Samuel and Beulah Patey, Siblings Charles (Sis) Augustus (Mae) Agnes (Ambrose) Martha (Tom), Pastor Harvey Earle (Lavinia), her special brother, Frank; brothers in law Sidney Hussey and Gordon Pilgrim; and a precious granddaughter (Charlene). She leaves to mourn her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters Marshall (Lewis), Rita (Eric), and a large number of family and friends.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his Saints.” (Psalm 116:15)
We would like to send a heart felt thank-you to the staff of the John m. Gray for their exceptional care during mom's stay.
Public Visitation will take place from Calvary Pentecostal Tabernacle, St. Lunaire-Griquet, on Wednesday September 18, from 2-4pm, and 7-9pm. Her Homegoing Service will be conducted at the church, on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 2:00pm, by Pastors Geoffrey and Charity Butler, and her grandson, Pastor Gregory Patey.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Kerry M. Fillatre Funeral Home, St. Anthony and Roddickton, Lee Nippard Funeral Director.
