Joyce "Joy" DuPree Peterson, age 83, passed away peacefully at her home on November 4, 2026. Born on May 31, 1943, in Angier, North Carolina, she was the beloved daughter of the late Howard and Lucille DuPree. Joy leaves behind a lifetime of memories, friendships, and love that will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

Originally from Angier, North Carolina, Joy spent more than 30 years enjoying life in Florida before returning to North Carolina three years ago to be closer to her beloved family. No matter where she called home, Joy had a special gift for making connections, building friendships, and bringing people together.

Joy was a woman of remarkable strength and determination. Throughout her life, she faced tremendous obstacles, yet she possessed an extraordinary tenacity and an unwavering ability to pick herself back up and keep moving forward. Her resilience was matched by her kind and generous heart. She had a youthful outlook on life, a wonderful sense of style, and a natural ability to make friends wherever she went. A true social butterfly, Joy loved being involved and treasured the many friendships she made along the way.

She had a love for the simple pleasures that made life beautiful. She enjoyed cooking, tending to her plants and yard, and especially loved yellow and purple flowers. She had a particular fondness for hats and always appreciated looking her best. Her passion for history, especially the Civil War, was something she greatly enjoyed and loved sharing with others. She also adored her schnauzer, Bruno, who was her faithful companion and went just about everywhere with her.

Joy found great happiness in her involvement with St. Paul Episcopal Church in Whispering Pines, where she cherished being part of the church community. She was also a proud member of the Red Hats, embracing the friendships, activities, and social connections that brought her so much joy.

Above all, Joy loved her family and the life she had built. She is survived by her son, Todd DuPree, and his wife, Susan DuPree; her daughter, Sandi Le Piane, and her husband, Peter Le Piane; her granddaughter, Samantha Norris, and her husband, Hunter, and their children, Reid and Cyrus Wade; and her granddaughter, Jessica DuPree. She is also survived by her brother, Roger DuPree, and his wife, Brenda, and her sister, Sue Williams.

She was preceded in death by her grandson, Brandon Patterson, son of Sandi Le Piane, and her parents, Howard and Lucille DuPree of Angier, North Carolina.

Joy's life was a testament to resilience, friendship, and finding beauty in the world around her. She leaves behind family and friends who will remember her infectious social spirit, her generosity, her love of beautiful things, and her determination to keep moving forward, no matter what life brought her way.

She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A gathering of family and friends to share condolences and remember Joy will be held on November 12, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at O’Quinn-Peebles-Phillips Funeral Home, 1310 S. Main Street, Lillington, NC. Light refreshments will be served.

May she rest in peace, surrounded by the beauty and love she so freely shared throughout her life.