Mrs. Joyce Squires Keene, 79, of Lillington passed away Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at Betsy Johnson Hospital in Dunn. She was born in Bladen, County, the daughter of the late Ernest Troy and Nina Sherman Squires. In addition to her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, James Keene, Sr., daughter, Janet Keene, grandson, Aaron Jacobs, brother, Theodore Squires and sister, Elizabeth Pittman.

Joyce retired from Champion Home Builders in Lillington with over 28 years of service. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Joyce enjoyed working in the yard, growing, and canning her own vegetables.  Joyce was a talented seamstress and loved to crochet afghans for her family. She loved to spend time at the beach with family. Joyce was a devoted Christian and a member of Natmoore Baptist Church in Kelly, NC.

Joyce is survived by her son, James Keene, Jr. and wife D.J. of Lillington; daughter, Janell Walters and husband Roy of Lillington; 3 grandchildren, Tori Booth and wife Lisa, Emily Booth and Ethan Booth; 2 step grandchildren, Loral Walters and Keelee Walters; brother, Raeford Squires and wife Aiko of Florida, sister, Shirley Jones of Harrells, NC; many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 PM Friday, December 29, 2023, at O'Quinn-Peebles-Phillips Funeral Home in Lillington and other times at the home of Janell and Roy Walters. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, December 30, 2023, in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Rick Beacham officiating. A graveside service will be held at 3:00 PM Saturday at Natmoore Baptist Church Cemetery in Kelly, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 5001 S Miami Blvd Suite 300, Durham, NC 27703 or the American Lung Association, 401 Hawthorne Lane, Suite 110 x298 Charlotte, NC 28204