Obituaries

Joyce Kendrick Tobey, 87, of Statesville, passed away on Monday, June 24, 2013, at Iredell Memorial Hospital.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Hollybrook Cemetery in Lincolnton. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, July 1, 2013 at First Baptist Church in Statesville.

She was born August 15, 1925 in Lincoln County to the late Bonnie Boyd Kendrick and Effie Jane Lowery Kendrick.

Upon graduation from Lincolnton High School, Mrs. Tobey went to work at Boger and Crawford Textile Mill. She met George Whitfield Tobey, Jr., of Lincolnton, after his return from service in France and Italy during World War II. They were married December 26, 1947 in Lincolnton. Soon after, the couple moved to Chapel Hill where Mrs. Tobey worked while Mr. Tobey attended the University of North Carolina. Following his graduation, the couple returned to Lincolnton to start their family, where they lived until moving to Statesville in 1962.

Mrs. Tobey worked for a number of years at Spainhour’s Clothing Store. She volunteered with the Council on Aging, serving Meals on Wheels, and was a devoted member of the Artists’ Guild of Statesville.

Mrs. Tobey was defined by her compassion for all people, especially her friends and family, her love of art and music, and her strong faith in Christ. She was a very active member of First Baptist Church of Statesville, working with G.A.’s, serving as Sunday School Superintendent, and singing in the church choir for 50 years. Mrs. Tobey also sang with Mitchell Community Choir for five years and Hickory Choral Society for 14 years. To be able to sing was a true blessing to her. She loved beautiful music and all who created it.

Joyce Tobey was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, George Whitfield, Tobey, Jr.; brothers Glenn Kendrick, Allen Kendrick, Boyce Kendrick; and sisters, Florence K. Carpenter, Dorothy K. Podesta, Mary K. Wolford.

She is survived by one son, Timothy Whitfield Tobey of Statesville; one daughter, Kathryn Tobey Mitchell (Rex) of Dobson; two grandsons, Tobey Mitchell (Kelly) of Dobson, Bennett Mitchell of Wilmington; one sister, Loretta K. Burgess of Denver; one brother, Robert Kendrick (Dottie) of Montgomery, AL; one sister-in-law, Jeanette Kendrick of Jacksonville, FL; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family of Joyce Tobey would like to express heartfelt thanks to the caring staff of Iredell Memorial Hospital, especially Lisa and the other nurses of the CCU. We are also grateful for the loving and compassionate care from Dr. James Foushee through the years.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Fifth Street Shelter Ministries of Statesville, Iredell Christian Ministries, or First Baptist Church of Statesville.