Joyce Barrow Brady

September 22, 1925 - December 23, 2020

Joyce Barrow Brady, 95, passed away December 23, 2020. Born September 22, 1925, in Salisbury, NC, to Robert W. Barrow and Margaret Parrish Barrow, she lived in Salisbury until seven years ago when she moved to Lenoir, NC, to be near her family. After the death of her mother when Joyce was eight years old, she and her infant sister went to live in the “big house.” There, with her grandmother, Roxanne Parrish, also lived several aunts and uncles, including Aunt Nessie, her primary custodian. The men worked for the railroad at Spencer Shops. The women cooked and maintained the home. At a young age, Joyce was expected to rise in the early morning hours to help make breakfast before the men left for work. She loved being part of a big family. After graduating from Boyden High School and attending Catawba College, Joyce married her high school sweetheart, Charles Joseph Brady. They were married 60 years before his death in 2002. Joyce was pleasant, proclaiming each day, “This is the day the Lord has made!” When she and Charles were dating, he recruited her as a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. They remained loyal members, cultivating lifelong friends, many of whom have continued to send cards and greetings to her. Through the years Charles and Joyce, with their son, Bobby, were active and involved in the many church programs and ministries. A dedicated mother and grandmother, Joyce loved to cook, travel, and play bridge with friends. She loved to attend Bobby’s football games as his greatest fan. She was a docent for the Salisbury tour of homes. She retired as a dental assistant to Dr. Bruce Ketner. Until her death she craved “a good hot dog,” a fountain coke, and chocolate ice cream. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her sister, Peggy Barrow Horton, and an infant daughter, Pamela. Survivors include her son, the Honorable Robert M. Brady and wife, Sheila Triplett-Brady of Lenoir; grandchildren Jennifer Brady Ellis (Wayne) of Lenoir, Leah Brady Geates (Rob) of Ephrata, Washington, and Jonathan Michael Triplett (Sonya) of Lenoir; six great-grandchildren; and numerous special nieces, nephews and cousins. The family wishes to thank the staff at Brookdale Lenoir Senior Living, those at Lenoir Healthcare, friends and extended family for the caring, kindness, and love they showed to Joyce. Joyce will be laid to rest beside Charles and Pamela at Chestnut Hill in Salisbury. Due to Covid-19 burial will be private. She may be remembered by donations to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 200 W Innes St, Salisbury, NC 28144, First United Methodist Church, 309 Church St NW, Lenoir, NC 28645, or to the Robin’s Nest Children’s Advocacy Center, 1051 Harper Avenue, SW, Lenoir, NC 28645. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Brady family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.