Dawn Joyner Ruppe, age 57 of Ellenboro died Friday, December 29, 2023 at Brookdale of Forest City.  Born on October 6, 1966 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, she is the daughter of B. Carson and Beverly Murray Joyner of Ellenboro.

Dawn attended Appalachian State University receiving her Bachelor’s and  Master’s Degree in elementary education.  She was a brilliant and dedicated teacher for 29 years and was a recipient of the North Carolina Teacher of the Year award.  To know her is to love her, and the experience of her smile and laughter was a gift to all who knew her.  Her people mattered to her and she proved this by always being present and real.  She loved the mountains and the beach, but reading was her true love.  She was involved in church including teaching mission friends and participating in the choir.  Most importantly, she was a loyal and devoted MAMA. 

In addition to her parents, Dawn is survived by her son Ian Ruppe of Kinston, North Carolina; her brother Brad Joyner (Tracy) of Forest City; her sister Greta Jones (Jeremy) of Charlotte; her nephews and nieces Brady Joyner (Alex), Judson Jones, Berkley Joyner, and Joyner Jones and great-nephews Levi and Jackson Joyner. 

Her life will be celebrated at Concord Baptist Church on Saturday, January 6, 2023 beginning at two o’clock with Reverend April Robinson and Reverend Travis Laflin officiating.   Those attending are encouraged to wear something red as this was Dawn’s favorite color. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to be made to Cure Alzheimer's Fund 34 Washington St., Suite 310 Wellesley Hills, MA 02481 or curealz.org

The Padgett & King Mortuary and Crematory is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com      

Concord Baptist Church is located at 720 Old U.S. 74 Highway, Bostic, North Carolina 28018