Joyce Ann Edwards Gurley

Joyce Ann Edwards Gurley, 85, of Marion, peacefully departed this life on Sunday, April 14, 2024 at her home with her loving family by her side.

She was born in McDowell County on April 27, 1938 to the late Carl Edwards and Mamie Hollifield Edwards.

Joyce was a longtime member of West Marion Baptist Church where she served as the nursery teacher, GA/Acteen leader, and the Training Union Youth Leader. She also took care of providing seasonal flowers and décor for the church. Joyce was the first female supervisor at Baxter Healthcare where she later retired. She was an avid gardener who loved all flowers and all of God’s creatures. She was known as the “bird whisperer” as she nursed many injured birds back to health. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby A. Gurley; and her two siblings, Carolyn Ledford and Don Edwards.

She is survived by her three daughters, Martha Garaventa, Cindy Newton (Wayne), and Paula Gouge (Rodney); four grandchildren, Joseph Garaventa (Katie), Kaleb Gouge (Kayla), Miranda Chiodo, and Selena Knight (Garret); and several great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Beam Funeral Service with Pastor Jacob Stover officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m.