Joyce Payne Bell

Published 1:10 pm Saturday, July 27, 2024

With deep sadness, Our Family announces the passing of Joyce Payne Bell, a loving mother and a remarkable woman. She conceded her fight with cancer and left this world on Tuesday July 9, 2024 in her home.

Quirky and unique, she always thought outside of the Box. She had a strong preference for the comforts and solitude of home, away from crowds and big events. Her complex personality reveled in the simple things of life; A good clean joke, really sweet tea, crocheting a blanket only to give it away, a faithful dog, a small church congregation and her favorite accomplishment … her children. One could say she was stubborn and complicated or maybe it was determined and multifaceted. The young lady angler held a world record in 1970 for a 24lb Bluefish, but her proudest title was Dare County school bus driver for 30 years. She absolutely loved it, back when kids were still taught manners anyway. Everyone knew that if Miss Joyce were driving their children, they would be happy, they would be disciplined and they would be safe.

Fiercely independent yet emotionally fragile, Joyce’s determination was unwavering. She instilled in her children the invaluable lessons of never giving up, fairness, working hard, and always going the extra mile.

Joyce’s generous spirit was evident in her unwavering dedication to helping those in need and contributing her time and money to charitable projects. She was known to tip a convenience store clerk who worked hard and told everyone she passed to have “a blessed day”. She generously gave to others and pitched in whenever asked for charity or a fundraiser for events like The Candy Bomber and Operation Back Pack. Joyce even helped provide compassionate care for her ex-husband during his battle with dementia. She believed that everyone has something to give, no matter how trivial it may appear, that small act could change someone’s day. She believed in the ripple effect of kindness.

She was the daughter of Eula Basnight Payne and Zenith Fearing Payne (both deceased) of Manteo, Sister to Donald Payne (deceased), and survived by brother Jerry Payne of Manteo, and her Children Amy Christine Bell of Manteo and Howard Lee Bell of Sanford, NC and her friend and Ex-Husband Richard Evans Bell of Manteo.

Her kindness, determination, and unique outlook on life will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Per her adamant wishes, no service was held as it was Joyce’s final request to donate her body to science reflecting her commitment to helping others and making a positive impact in the world. Always giving to others until there was nothing left to give.

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