Dora Winchester Boyce

Dora Winchester Boyce, 97, of Monroe, NC passed away on Thursday, April 13, 2023. She was born in Union County on October 23, 1925, daughter to the late Lester Thomas Winchester and Emily Pearl Price Winchester. She was also preceded in death by her loving husband, John William Boyce Sr, as well as her four brothers, Worth Winchester; Ben Winchester; Tom Winchester; Joe Winchester, sister Mary Elizabeth “Sis” Winchester, and one great-grandchild.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, April 18, 2023, in Gordon Funeral Chapel with burial to follow in Lakeland Memorial Park.

Dora is survived by her three sons, John William Boyce, Jr. (Linda); Thomas Hugh Boyce (Fairy); David Andrew Boyce (Tammy); daughter Judy Boyce Chapman (David); fourteen grandchildren, Mark Boyce (Crystal); Lisa Simpson; Michael Boyce (Tiffany); Dee Dee Williams (Matt); Bryon Chapman (Sabrina); Crystal Chapman (Randy); Katie Gay (Errick); Kelly Godwin (Chris); Matthew Boyce (Diane); Miles Boyce; Dakota Kirby (John Craig); Macon Boyce (Casey); Gabrielle Wax (Darrin); and Madelyn Boyce, twenty four great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Monday, April 17, 2023, at Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Ave, Monroe, NC 28112.

Dora was born into a household of boys. She and her twin, Mary Elizabeth (Sis) arrived following four sons. They grew up in a very rural Wesley Chapel, at the heart of the current Village of Wesley Chapel. Dora attended Wesley Chapel School (grades 1-11) and graduated from the 11th grade as Valedictorian of her class. She won a full four-year scholarship to Winthrop College, but decided to forego that in order to help her country in the war effort. She exemplified the spirit of “Rosie the Riveter” by working first at the shell plant in Charlotte making bullets, then National Carbon Plant making batteries for walkie-talkies, and later at Camp Sutton in Monroe.

Her portrayal of “Rosie the Riveter” appeared again as she served her country at Allen Overall Co in Monroe folding army jackets for our soldiers in Vietnam. She had three brothers, a husband, and a son who all served their country. John, her son, enjoyed treats sent to him while serving in Vietnam prepared with love in Dora’s kitchen.

As a life-long member of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, Dora filled nearly all administrative offices from time to time. She was honored for her tenure as church treasurer and her long years of dedication and service. She was instrumental, along with her husband, Bill, and others in relocating the church in order to allow space for the Wesley Chapel Elementary School expansion. At Wesley Chapel School, in the cafeteria, she influenced many students with good food and her winning smile.

Dora was involved in many church and community projects. She was honored for her work in the Wesley Chapel Extension & Community Association (ECA) group and as Union County’s ECA Member of the Year. She held many offices within this organization.

She so enjoyed being a member of a Bible Study group with several community churches and grew to form close bonds with the group’s members. She loved her Life Group members, Bingo at Union United Methodist Church, and so many other activities.

She is known as the family historian as well as a community historian. Her ability to instantly recall dates of birth, marriage, and deaths of all those surrounding her was uncanny. She was such a source of knowledge, caring, and love for her family and extended family. She devoted her life to making sure that all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren knew that they were each so special and so loved by her.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, PO Box 2425, Monroe, NC 28111-2425, Pleasant Grove Campground, PO Box 6 Mineral Springs, NC 28108, or Liberty Homecare and Hospice, 2015 Moore Road, Matthews, NC 28105.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Ave, Monroe, NC 28112 is caring for the Boyce Family.