Joyce Ray Noblitt

Joyce Noblitt ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Hankins & Whittington Funeral Home on Mar. 17, 2026.God be in my head, and in my understanding;God be in mine eyes, and in my looking;God be in my mouth, and in my speaking;God be in my heart, and in my thinking;God be at mine end, and at my departing.Book of Hours, Sarum Primer, 1514Joyce Young Noblitt was born on February 8, 1933, and peacefully departed this earth on March 10, 2026, at the age of 93. She was the eldest daughter of the late Audie Ray Young and Clara Bowman Young and was a lifelong resident of McDowell County.Joyce was a quiet, generous, and thoughtful woman whose love for her family knew no bounds. She found her greatest joy in the lives of her girls, sons-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Their accomplishments, adventures, and everyday moments filled her with pride and laughter. To those who were blessed to call her "Maw-Maw," she was a source of steadfast love, comfort, and warmth. She loved to cook and bake, but most of all she loved sharing the food she prepared.Joyce dedicated 40 years as a production scheduler for the Pine Valley Division of Ethan Allen in Old Fort, North Carolina. Numbers, precision, and attention to detail defined her work ethic. She was known for her dedication and reliability.Joyce's faith was an important part of her life. She was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Old Fort for more than 70 years. She sang alto in the church choir and participated in the community chorus. Joyce loved music and encouraged her girls to do the same.Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, William "Dan" Noblitt, and her sister, Peggy Young Blackburn (Bill). She is survived by her brother, Donald Lee Young (Carolyn) of Pensacola, Florida, and her three daughters: Dana Noblitt Sutton (Bob), Denisa Noblitt Allison (Dan), and Debbie Noblitt Hensley (Bo).She also leaves behind five grandchildren: Perri Lynn Sutton Mathews (Marc), Jay-Michael Bowman Sutton (Emily), Nicholas Ryan Allison (Khara Woodson), Kathryn Danielle Allison Payson (Jeff), and Carla "LeAnn" Hensley Jacklett (Lucas).Her pride in and love for her eight great-grandchildren was boundless: Sidney Grace Caroline Mathews, Parker Benjamin Sutton, Avery Elizabeth Sutton, Madilyn Rae Kempson, Harper Danielle Kempson, Reichly Love Payson, Aspen Scarlett Payson, and Lenora Parker Woodson.A private service for the family will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Old Fort First Baptist Church (Kitchen Fund) in honor of Joyce's lifelong faith and devotion.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.