Joyce Ann 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
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.
Kathy Reynolds
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.
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.
YOUR FRINDSHIP MEANT SO MUCH TO HER!
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.
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