Joyce Robena Owenby

Joyce Robena Merrill Owenby Fairview – Joyce Robena Merrill Owenby, 70, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 15, 2015 at John F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center. A native of Buncombe County, she was a daughter of the late Rev. Theron Merrill and Carrie Robena Walker Merrill. Joyce loved crafting and was a loving sister that will be greatly missed by her friends and family. She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Lloyd Eugene Owenby; three sons, Ronnie Owenby of Marshall, Randy Owenby and his wife, Beth, of Fletcher and Ricky Owenby and his wife, Kim, of Swannanoa; two sisters, Shirley Davis and her husband, Charles, of Mills River and Sara Swann and her husband, Danny, of Oteen; three grandchildren, Austin, Erran and Brittany Owenby; a special aunt, Ruby Ponder of Fairview as well as many close friends and extended family members. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at Emma's Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Adam Guice officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church Wednesday from 12:30 – 2:00 PM prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family graciously asks that you please consider a donation in Joyce's memory to CarePartners Hospice, John F. Keever. Jr. Solace Center, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813. Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.