Joyce (Holeman) Demmings

            Joyce O. H. Demmings was born July 14, 1938 to the late Mr. Lee and Florence H. Holeman. On September 2, 2018 Mama Joyce transition to her eternal home. She was preceded in death by her husbands, one daughter, four brothers, one sister, two grandsons and one great granddaughter.

            Joyce received her education at an early age. She attended Little River School in Bahama NC, and Merrick Moore in Durham, NC.

            Joyce was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and much more. Joyce wore many hats. She worked for the Durham Health Department as an Assistant Elevator Attendant, and she was a dedicated homemaker for several families. To name a few, The Wenzell’s who loved her as one of their own. She was called Mother Joyce by their children. She managed Holeman’s Seafood and Groceries with her brother and father. She worked in the RTP as a Housekeeping Supervisor for many years. Before her health started to decline she was a devoted Caregiver in several communities for family and friends.

            She leaves to cherish four loving children, Joyce Motley, Richard Motley, Fredericka Demmings(James), and Frederick Demmings IV.  Four special Grandchildren, Tontresa, Zedale, Tatiana,  SeQuan (4) grandchildren, Nellisha, Na’Dedra, Jorim and Rachel. (10) great grandchildren, Dajayna, Tiyanna, Jermaine, Zaria, Aaliyan, Aiden, Kendrick, Jeremiah, Ta’Leah, and Brooklynn. A sister, Ms Joan Holeman, (2) brothers Mr Linwood (Lillian) Holeman, and Mr Larry (Naomi) Holeman. Sister in Law, Geraldine Fullwood, (3) brother in laws, Melvin, Gerald, and Barry Demmings, (3) Aunts, special sons and daughters, Emmett, Kimberly, Vernon, Von, Nakia, Rhoda, Johnnie, Vanessa, Alvin, and Regina, several nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends. Special Thanks to Chaplain Cheryl and Nurse Nikki from Duke Hospice.

Mother

One may ask, “What is the meaning of Mother?”

If you only knew Joyce, you wouldn’t have to wonder.

It takes more than caring a child to be a Mother,

You have to love and nurture them like np other.

A Mother will always be in place in time of need,

And do not care what time she needs to be there.

Where you cut up, Joyce would show up.

She even would make you get your own switches,

And she didn’t believe in tearing up her britches.

A Mother loves her children all the same,

Even when they get out of line she bears no shame.

A Mother will sacrifice herself for children

Even if it means her stomach cries out, her toes are like sardines in a can, or her wig is on backwards.

Joyce O. Holeman, We, your children and our children can never thank God enough for allowing you to be a part of our lives. We all loved you and could not have asked for a better Mother and friend. We will truly miss you, but NEVER will forget you.

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