Hodge, Joyce Harrell

In Honor of
JOYCE HARRELL HODGE

Joyce Lorine Harrell was born in Edenton, North Carolina, to James Louis and Eva Tynch Harrell on November 28, 1928. In high school, she was on the debate team, served as president of Beta Club, actively participated in musical programs, became assistant editor of the school's annual, and worked for the school paper.

After graduating from Edenton High School, she attended Mars Hill College before transferring to Meredith College where she graduated in 1949 with a bachelor of music degree. After college, Joyce taught music for one year at Rocky Mount in the Williford and Benvenue schools before she married Ray Hodge in 1950. Ray was a pastor in Youngsville, and after their wedding, she secured a position teaching music and piano in the town's school.

After their first child — Joy — was born, Joyce became a stay-at-home mom and Ray's companion in theological work. She was active in their congregation, the choir, and teaching at the church. Joyce and Ray then had two more children, Ben in 1959 and Donna in 1961.

For twenty five years, Joyce taught private piano lessons and featured her pupils at recitals. It was a job she started while raising her children and continued for years afterward. Joyce was also a charter member of the Youngsville Woman's Club, a member of the Millbrook Book Club in Raleigh, and a charter member of the Westglen Garden Club in Durham. She later furthered her education with special studies at East Carolina University when she and Ray lived in Kinston, North Carolina.

Joyce and Ray traveled extensively, including all fifty states, Canada, Mexico, several Caribbean countries, the British Isles, western Europe, Scandinavia, Russia, and eastern Europe.Joyce and Ray retired to Smithfield, where they are active members in Smithfield's First Baptist Church. All three of their children married, and so far they have blessed Joyce and Ray with six grandchildren.