Joyce Faye Elliott Spafford

Joyce Faye Elliott Spafford passed away Friday, December 5, 2025 at Laurel Park Rehab after a long illness. She left this world at the age of 83, her husband at her bedside. Born January 24, 1942 in Big Spring, NC and grew up in Winfall, NC. She met her husband Perley Spafford (Jack) while working in her father’s country store in Winfall where Jack was stationed at the US Naval Mine Rake Station, Harvey Point, Hertford, NC. They were married December 2, 1958 and recently celebrated their 67th anniversary. She loved to fish in the Perquimans River and later off the pier in her back yard with her great-grandchildren. She enjoyed watching her chickens in the back yard, doing work in her flower and vegetable garden. She played the guitar for many years. Joyce had a love of flower arrangements, decorating weddings and special occasions.

She is survived by her husband, Jack, daughter, Elizabeth Bateman (Ricky), son David Spafford (Mayra), four grandchildren, Jill Parrish Coker (Shawn), Megan, Daniel and Amanda Spafford, four great-grandchildren, Breyden, Bayla, Brewstyn and Bevany Coker; sisters, Louise Copley, Katherine Lane, Ruth White, Carolyn White, Beverly Forbes, and Sandra Amidon, brothers, Bobby Elliott, Robert Elliott (Annie) and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents , Oliver Cecil Elliott, Sr. and Marie White Elliott she was preceded in death by her brothers, Donald Elliott, Randy Elliott, Ronnie Elliott and Oliver C. Elliott, Jr. and sisters, Peggy Hamby and Marie Tillet.

A celebration of Joyce’s life will be held 1:00 pm, Thursday, December 11, 2025 at Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, Hertford Chapel. The family will receive friends immediately after the service. The burial will be private at Cedarwood Cemetery.

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 1125 Harvey Point, Hertford is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.