Joyce Hartsell Little

Mrs. Joyce (Hartsell) Little, 81, of Oakboro, North Carolina, passed away on Monday, January 29, 2024 at her home. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at Stanly Funeral Home & Creation Care in Albemarle, NC. Her Celebration of Life service will be held Friday, February 2, 2024 at 2 p.m., at First Baptist Church of Oakboro, officiated by Reverend Jonathan Waits and Dr. D. Terrell Watts. Joyce was born December 25, 1942 in Oakboro, Stanly County, to the late James Monroe and Cornelia Smith Hartsell. She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, John Wiley Little, and her daughters, Suzanne (Little) Marsicano and husband Tony of Charlotte, NC, and Sonya (Little) Young and husband Bill of Oakboro, NC. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Anna Marsicano of Seattle, WA, Noah Young of Oakboro, NC, Nick Marsicano of Charlotte, NC, and Rachel Young of Oakboro, NC; and a special friend Shannon Taylor of Independence, KY, otherwise known as her “Kentucky Daughter”; Nieces; Sandra Edwin, Rita Crisco, Rhonda A. Hughes; and nephews Dennis Efird, Barry Yow, Rodney Almond, Mark Crisco and Rick Almond; and the many grown men and women she took into her family and loved as her own. She was predeceased by sisters Ramelle Efird, Gladys Yow, and Mary Jane Furr of Albemarle and Ruby “Teen” Crisco of Oakboro. Known by many simply as “Mama Joyce”, “Miss Joyce” and “Mayor Little”, Joyce was a kind and giving soul, who opened her home, heart and family to those she loved. She was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Oakboro for most of her life, where she served as moderator, directed vacation bible school, sang in the choir, and led the women’s mission union. But she dearly loved leading the fellowship committee and organizing the many events and functions held over the years. She received great joy from utilizing her decorating and cooking skills to prepare many memorable events for those she cared about. Joyce served the Town of Oakboro as Mayor for a duration of 18 years, bringing many improvements and growth to the town that she was so proud of. She was a dedicated advocate of the Oakboro Police and K-9 Unit, Oakboro Fire & Rescue, and the many town employees. Joyce never knew a stranger. She was quick to open her home and offer food, guidance and support to anyone in need. When their girls were young, Joyce and her husband, Wiley, hosted many college students, over summers and holidays, several of whom were from foreign countries and needed a place to stay. The philosophy that she expressed to her children was “I couldn’t take you to the world, so I brought the world to you”. Joyce was a positive influence to so many. Giving of her time and energy, she rarely turned away anyone asking something of her. She strived to be a role model, proudly serving God, her church, her family, and her town, with integrity and devotion. She will be fondly remembered by many, treasured by most, and missed by all. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Oakboro building fund at P.O. Box 10 Oakboro, NC 28129.

Joyce Hartsell Little

December 25, 1942 - January 29, 2024