Joyce Allen Patterson, 88, of Lillington, passed away, Thursday, November 7, 2024 at her home in Lillington, NC.

Joyce was born December 20, 1935 in Harnett County to the late James and Viola Allen.  She was the proud owner of Country Crossroads Restaurant in Mamers in the late 1980s.  Joyce worked with various restaurants in the area prior to opening her own.  She worked at a community store in Mamers offering motherly counsel to many in the community.  Joyce was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.  She loved spending time with her grandchildren.  Joyce was a lifelong member at Cool Springs Church in Broadway.  She loved the Lord and shared her faith freely with all who would listen.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Waldo Patterson, Sr.; daughter, Patricia Ann Patterson; sisters, Betty Hicks, Shirley Stone; and brother, Leon "Shorty" Allen.

Joyce is survived by her daughters, Donna Patterson Jernigan (James), and Debbie Lynn Patterson McNeill (Marty); son, Donald Waldo Patterson, Jr.; granddaughters, Deborah Nicole Womack (Jason), and Lindsey Kay Clarke (Samuel); great grandsons, Tucker Lee Womack, and Sawyer Kimery Womack; "special daughters", Deborah Lee Huxstep, and Donna Genthe; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held Sunday, November 10, 2024 at 3:00 PM at Cool Springs Church, 2741 Cool Springs Road, Broadway, NC 27330 with Pastor Eddie Thomas officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.  A graveside service will follow at Holly Springs Baptist Church Cemetery, 385 Holly Springs Church Rd., Broadway, NC 27505.

Memorials may be sent to St. Jude Children's Hospital.