Joyce P. Stokes, 78, beloved wife of James H. Stokes, died Saturday, December 13, 2014, at her home. Born in Bethel NC, she was the daughter of the late Dallas V. Purvis, Sr. and the late Ida Mae Purvis. She graduated from Oak City High School in Oak City, NC in 1954, and attended East Carolina University School of Business in Greenville, NC. Joyce and James married in 1955 and she traveled with James in the Air Force to Columbus, MS, San Bernadina, CA, Savannah, GA, and after James’ tour in Vietnam, they were reassigned to Shaw AFB, SC in May 1969. Joyce worked for Benson, Bultman, King, and Palmer as a bookkeeper for 23 years before retiring in 1991. She was active in St. John United Methodist Church. She loved to sew, work in ceramics, and she loved her flowers. Survivors include her husband, James H. Stokes of the home; a daughter, Lori Sweat of Sumter; two grandchildren, Charles Sweat (Evette) and Jennifer Sweat both of Sumter; and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Dallas V. Purvis, Jr. and George Edward Purvis. Funeral services will be held at 3 P.M. Thursday, December 18, 2014, in the Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home chapel with Pastor Robert Huggins officiating. Burial will be at 2 P.M. Saturday, December 20, 2014, in Pinetops, NC. The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 P.M Thursday at Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and other times at the home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John United Methodist Church, 136 Poinsett Dr., Sumter, SC 29150. Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements in Virginia. Carlisle Funeral Home, Inc. of Tarboro is assisting the family with arrangements in North Carolina. Online condolences may be directed to the family by visiting www.carlislefuneralhome.com