Joyce Huntley Guffey

Joyce Huntley Guffey, of Forest City died Wednesday, March 30, 2022, at White Oak Manor in Tryon. 

Joyce was born on January 8, 1928, in Rutherford County to the late W. S. and Lala Huntley, and was one of eight children.  Her husband, Cecil Guffey, and son Brien Guffey as well as sisters, Frances Cole, Jean Owens, Judy Crawford, and brother, Joseph Huntley preceded her in death.

Joyce was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  A hard worker and a faithful member of Shiloh Baptist Church, and an avid gardener. Usually the quiet one, but also the one who had the best stories and an infectious laugh.  No matter the type day she had experienced, there was always a seat at her table at mealtime and saying no to her was almost an impossibility.  It was her chocolate pies that everyone scrambled for a place in line to get before the last slice was gone.   She loved to show off her garden and the bounty she had gathered from if that day but always reluctant to allow anyone to help her in it. 

After graduating from Harris High School, Joyce attended Cecil’s Business College.  After that she held a position with Export Import Bank in Washington, D.C. for ten years.  Afterwards, Joyce moved back to Forest City and worked several years for G.B. Harrill Insurance Agency before taking the position of Executive Secretary with the Tanner Company which she performed well and faithfully for more than thirty years.

Joyce was never one to talk about herself or bring attention to her own accomplishments, she was far too busy telling you all the reasons she was proud of her children and grandchildren.  For many years she and her husband Cecil maintained a kind and loving home where friends were always welcomed, and children bragged upon.  In her very quiet way, Joyce Guffey cast a long shadow.  The words heard over and over when people are referring to Joyce is that “she is one of my favorite people in the world.”  Few are ever honored so well.

Survivors include her daughters, Beverly Guffey Smith (Cal), and Kathy Guffey Fowler, her grandchildren, Kevin Flack (Tara), Kyle Flack (Nicole), Taylor Fowler, and great-grandchildren, Carissa, Levi and Adley, sisters, Muriel Hash of Forest City, Madge Layton of Tampa, Florida, and Betty Ruppe of Spindale.

The funeral service will be at 3 o’clock Saturday, April 2, 2022, in Shiloh Baptist Church with Reverend Paul Willis and Reverend Michael Sepaugh officiating.  Interment will be in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 2 until 2:45 pm Saturday in the Sanctuary prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to Shiloh Baptist Church, Bereavement Committee, 1850 Poors Ford Road, Rutherfordton, North Carolina 28139.

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

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.