Joyce McCoy Crook

Joyce Lee McCoy Crook, age 83, of Monroe, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on June 16, 1942, in South Boston, VA, Joyce was the beloved daughter of John Sherman McCoy, Edith Hall Parrish and stepdaughter of Arthur Edwin Parrish, Sr. She grew up in Cary, NC, with a strong faith, a warm spirit, and a deep love for her family.

On June 25, 1960, Joyce married the love of her life, George Howard Crook, in Cary, NC. Joyce was the proud mother of her only daughter, Denise Jane Hawse of Charlotte, NC. She delighted in her role as Nana to Matthew Jordan Hawse of Charlotte, NC, Grant Christian Hawse of Charlotte, NC, and Brooke Elizabeth Hawse of New York, NY, who brought her endless joy.

Early in Joyce’s career, she worked for the Department of Agriculture at NC State University in Raleigh, NC before becoming licensed as an Optician. She went on to own three optical shops with her husband, George, in Wilmington, NC and was highly active in the community. She was known for her careful attention, steady hands, and the kindness she showed each and every customer. She found joy in helping others see more clearly and valued the friendships she built along the way. Outside of her work, she especially loved gardening, puzzles, cooking, traveling the country by RV with her husband and her best friends, and trips with her sister, brother and in-laws.

Her love extended far beyond her immediate family. She treasured her nieces and nephews, their spouses, and their children beyond measure. She celebrated each milestone with love and pride and never missed singing her birthday song to each one.

Joyce is survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, George; her daughter Denise and her husband Rob; her grandchildren Matthew, Grant, and Brooke; her sister Linda McCoy Parish of Aberdeen, NC; her brother Arthur Edwin Parrish, Jr and his wife, Cyndi Padgette Parrish of Columbia, SC; and her beloved nieces, nephews, and their children. She is preceded in death by her father, John Sherman McCoy; mother, Edith Hall Parrish; baby brother, Johnny McCoy; her stepfather Arthur Edwin Parrish; and her brother-in-law, William Ray Parish.

Joyce’s legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the love she gave so freely, and the light she brought into the world. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

A memorial service to honor Joyce’s life will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 2pm, in the chapel of Gordon Funeral Home 1904 Lancaster Ave. Monroe, NC 28112. The service will be officiated by Pastor Brian Baker of Grace Baptist Church. A reception will follow the service, and all are welcome to attend.

The family wishes to thank the caregivers at Atrium Health Hospice & Palliative Care Union, Atrium Health Union, and Jessica Rutledge of Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute for the most compassionate care.

Flowers are welcome, or memorials may be made in Joyce’s honor to:

• Grace Baptist Church, 3411 Weddington Road, Monroe, NC 28110
• Jack’s Pack Foundation – Fighting CLN1 Batten Disease in support of Jack Timmerman www.jackspack.net. https://venmo.com/u/FightBattenCLN1

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

Gordon Funeral Service & Crematory is honored to be entrusted to care for the Crook Family.