Joyce Colleen Miranda Thompson

Joyce Colleen Miranda Thompson, 95, of Gibsonville, NC passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Coble Creek Health and Rehab of Twin Lakes Community, Burlington, NC.

A native of Ashland, KY, Joyce was the wife of 66 years to the late James Henry Thompson and the daughter of Walter R. Miranda and Hilda Marie Scott Miranda, both deceased.

In addition to her husband and parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her brother, Walter “Jack” Miranda, and sisters, Ruth Rayburn, Kathryn Whitney, Dorothy Esckelson, Helen Hinton, and Carolyn Volley; and step-grandson, Christopher Allen "Chris" Reid.

Those left to cherish her memory include her son, James David "Dave" Thompson of Gibsonville; daughters, Janet Carolyn Reid and husband, Charles of Gibsonville, NC, and Jill Ellen Marolla and husband, Mark of Fort Walton Beach, FL; grandsons, Steven Michael Bowling, James "Ben" Pearson, and Scott Allen Thompson; granddaughters, Jessica Ellen Porter and husband, Ryan, Shari Lynne Cox, and Katie Thompson; step-grandson, Charles William "Chuck" Reid, II and wife, Anne; great-grandsons, Caleb and Ethan Cox; step-great-grandsons Jarrett, Kyle and Logan Reid; great-granddaughters, Alyssa, Hailey, Kylie, Sophie, Brenna and Cora Porter; Lily, Faith and Savannah Cox; and Ella Pearson; and step-great granddaughter, Julia Glaser. Joyce also leaves numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved deeply, and a host of dear friends.

Joyce leaves a beautiful legacy founded on her love for Christ and her life-long mission to serve and represent Him. All that she did throughout her well-lived life was done to the glory of God. Her sincere commitment to being a light in the darkness touched and changed many lives. She was a fierce prayer warrior, and Joyce's sweet hugs were legendary!

Joyce chose to marry the love of her life and start a family at a young age, but that did not deter her from her life-long desire to complete her education and become a teacher. Over the years, she stayed on the course and obtained her degree from the University of Cincinnati, officially launching her career in Special Education. She was so much more than a teacher for these precious children. She knew that teaching is a mission that strengthens a child in mind as well as body and soul.

Family was of the utmost importance to Joyce. There was no end to the unconditional love that she showered on her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. As a Christ follower, she lovingly guided her family in the way they should go, with the Lord as the bedrock of it all. One of her nieces said it best: "Aunt Joyce was a very special lady - big arms pulling us all in."

Funeral services celebrating Joyce’s life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at the Twin Lakes Community Chapel, 3701 Wade Coble Drive, Burlington, NC 27215 with Rev. John Shields officiating. The family will greet friends and family from 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. on Saturday prior to the service in the Twin Lakes Chapel. Interment will follow at Alamance Memorial Park, Burlington, NC.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Gathering, A Christian Community, 108 Arbor Drive, Elon, NC 27244, Living Free Ministries, 1230 Walnut Grove Lane, Snow Camp, NC 27349, or to Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.

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