Joyce Ann Rathbone

joyce rathbone

October 16, 1949 ~ November 11, 2021

Born in: Buncombe County, NC
Resided in: Candler, NC

Mrs. Joyce Ann Rathbone, 72, of Candler, NC passed away Thursday, November 11, 2021.

She was born October 16, 1949 in Buncombe County, NC to Henry J. Rice and Leota Holland Rice. Mrs. Rathbone was a long time member of Pisgah Baptist Church, and at the time of her death attended Stoney Fork Independent Missionary Baptist Church.

Mrs. Rathbone was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, David Earl Rathbone; siblings Rueben and Bobby Rice, Essie Brown, Lucy Bleak, Ellen Austin, Avery Rice, Rhea Jackson and Timothy Rice. She is also preceded in death by her brothers-in-law Jack Rathbone, Jerald Rathbone, James Gosnell, and Johnny Roberts.

Surviving are her three sons Ben Rathbone (Wendy) of Candler, NC; Michael Rathbone (Michele) of Candler, NC; and Alan Rathbone (Elizabeth) of Evans, GA. At the time of death, she had 15 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Also surviving are her siblings Esther Johnson, Robert Rice, Mary Rice, J.W. Rice, Larry Rice, Jerry Rice, and Ruth Sprouse; her husband’s siblings Geraldine Gosnell, Linda and Ralph Cabe, Judy Roberts, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation and funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Monday, November 15, 2021 at Stoney Fork Independent Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Jeff Massey and Pastor Bobby Winebarger officiating followed by a graveside service at the family plot.

The family would like to thank the nurses at Advent Health of Hendersonville for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to her nephew Scott Gosnell’s fundraiser for his double-lung transplant via PayPal: @Tfisher10 or call Tiffany Fisher 828-808-3703.

Services

Funeral Home Assisting The Family:

Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806

(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

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  1. My sweet sister, she has always been there for me since I came home. She listened to all my problems and gave wonderful advice. I will miss her deeply! If anyone needed prayer, she was there to help you. Joyce I love you so much and will see you when I get there! đź’—

  2. You were the best Woman I’ve ever known. Always kind, considerate, fair, and most of all caring. Mamaw I know you are at peace now but I will always keep you in my 💜 Love you always and forever, Jessie

  3. Ben, Michael and Alan,
    Your mom was a beautiful light to this world, we we’re blessed to have known her. Those family harmonies at Stoney Fork are such fond memories and no one could sing Beautiful Star of Bethlehem like she could. Her faithfulness and love for God and family set a standard for all of us, she humbly lived her faith. The rejoicing in heaven brings happiness and I know we will surely see her again.

  4. Joyce was avery sweet person am glad that I got to know her. Am sorry for the family loss my prays are with the family.
    Kathy Reynolds

  5. Soo sorry family for the loss of your precious loved one. Blessed to have been Blessed by her and your precious family. Prayers God will comfort you in days to come. Love to All.

  6. I only knew her via Facebook, Ron is her cousin. We are so sorry that she has passed away. Knowing she is with the Lord is such a comfort. She will be so missed by her loved ones, praying for peace and comfort for family and friends.

  7. I am so sorry for your loss, I always enjoyed her posts on Facebook, I will miss her. Comfort and peace to the family. Cousins from Oregon

  8. Ben, Michael, and Alan:
    I’m so sorry to hear that your sweet mom has passed away. Please know my thoughts are with you all.

  9. Joyce was a faithful Christian. I enjoyed being in her Sunday School Class at Mt. Pisgah Church. Always loved to hear her sing. Praying for the family.

  10. Ben and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there is anything we can do.

  11. To all of the family, we are so sorry for the loss of Joyce. She has been such a wonderful friend to us and will be sorely missed. With my current health issues, I regret that I won’t be able to attend the services, but, you all will be in our prayers.

  12. Joyce was my good friend and classmate for 12 years. She always had that sweet smile for everyone. Loved her and her family. My thoughts and prayers goes out to her family and I know she will be greatly missed.

  13. Heaven
    What A Joyous Time It will be..
    Memories We shared over the years of Our Families and Our Circles that have been broken ..Praying and knowing Someday We shall meet again.You will be missed
    .Love Hugs n Prayers
    Edward Jack Linda & Family


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