Joyce Crowder, age 86 of Forest City died on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at her home.  Joyce was born on December 7, 1939, in Rutherford County.  She was preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Macie Hyder Horne.  In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her sisters Guynell Green and Geraldine (Gerry) Horne.

Joyce was a member of Smith Grove Baptist Church. She worked for Buster Brown textiles, American Greetings Inc., Bridal and Formals Unlimited and Wayne Ware. She was the heart of the Crowder family.  Joyce always showed warmth, kindness and generosity to everyone.  She was known in the community for her wonderful cooking and her love of baking and sharing her pound cakes.

She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Hugh D. Crowder, her son Brian Crowder (Tina), her daughters Tammy Edwards and Patty Trotter (Donald), her grandson Jonathan Filer (Hope), her granddaughters Sierra and Elaina Crowder, her very special nephew Paul Campbell (Patti), her sister Linda Roach (Leon), her three brothers John Horne (Sarah), Howard Horne, Van Horne (Sondra), and a number of nieces and nephews, also grand nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held at 11 o’clock on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Smith Grove Baptist Church with the Reverend Terry White officiating.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends in the Sanctuary from 9:30 until 10:45 prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Smith Grove Baptist Church, PO Box 1195, Forest City, North Carolina 28043.

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