REIDSVILLE, NC - Mrs. Joyce Pankey Graves, age 72, passed away Sunday, May 10, 2026 at Gibson House Ancora Compassionate Care.

A viewing will begin on Sunday, May 17, 2026 from 1 until 6 p.m. at McLaurin-Harris Funeral Home, 721 East Morehead Street, Reidsville, NC.

Funeral services will be held Monday, May 18, 2026 from the Mt. Hermon Baptist Church, 350 Mt. Herman Church Road, Ruffin, NC. Visitation with the family will begin at 2:30 p.m., followed by the service at 3 p.m. Pastor Kenneth Peterkin will officiate and Overseer J. Troy Blackwell, eulogist.

The committal and interment will follow in the Mt. Hermon Baptist Church Cemetery, Ruffin, NC.

*** Please allow additional travel time as the Mayfield Road bridge is currently closed. (detour signs are posted) ***

All other times, the family will only receive friends at the residence on Sunday, May 17th from 3 until 6 p.m. (138 Brentwood Drive, Reidsville)

Joyce P Graves, 72, passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2026, surrounded by family at Ancora Compassionate Care Hospice House.

Born on July 31, 1953, to James Barnard Pankey and Annie Bell Baize Pankey. Joyce was a 1971 graduate of Ruffin High School in Ruffin, NC and later earned an associate's degree in accounting from Rockingham County Community College.

Joyce dedicated her life to building a meaningful and accomplished career in textiles, management, and ultimately in finance where she served as a loan officer for several financial institutions. Before her illness, she spent 22 years with Lendmark Financial. Throughout that time Joyce and her work family supported one another through life's milestones and the company's transitions – from American General, to Springleaf, and finally Lendmark Financial. Across her career, Joyce formed lasting friendships with her colleagues while working for Cone Mills, VF Corporation, and Kelly Rentals. Her compassion, strong work ethic, and unwavering commitment to treating everyone with respect, kindness, and dignity were evident in every role she held. Her presence enriched the lives of all who worked alongside her.

Joyce was a believer and follower of Christ and enjoyed being a pupil of the Gospel. She leaned heavily on her faith to guide her through all of life's triumphs and storms, drawing strength and peace from her relationship with God. She was a cherished sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend whose light touched all who knew her.

Joyce led her life with a quiet fierceness that was unmistakable. She began her family in 1973; joining in matrimony to her husband the late John Irvin Graves III of Reidsville earning the beloved nickname "Shortie". Together they had two children: daughter Nishika Graves of Charlotte, NC and son, Irvin Graves (Christina) of Reidsville, NC. Joyce's greatest joy came from her four grandchildren: Allayah Graves-Muhammad, Centalius Graves, Irihanna Graves, and Isaac Graves.

Joyce is also survived by her siblings: Robert L Pankey (Carol) of Ruffin, NC; Maime Jean Goodlett of Reidsville; two brothers-in-law: Aubrey Graves of Gibsonville, NC and David Parker of Reidsville, NC; six sisters-in-law: Melvine Grice (Anthony) of McLeansville, NC; Wanda Summers (Herbert) of McLeansville; Angela Graves (Jerry) of Gibsonville, NC; Pamela Roundtree (late Rodney) of Winston- Salem, NC; Iris Coleman (Frank) of Gibsonville, NC; Monica Jenkis of Raleigh, NC as well as a host of nieces, nephews and other family.

Joyce was preceded in her death by her parents James and Annie Pankey, husband John Irvin Graves III, brother Charles Pankey, sister Florence Parker, and brother-in-law Clinton Graves.

Joyce legacy is one of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her impact will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

The family wishes to thank Ancora Compassionate Care Hospice House in Wentworth, NC for their compassionate care and support.

For those who wish to send flowers or condolences, please direct them to McLaurin-Harris Funeral Home.

Service by McLaurin-Harris