Marshville - Mrs. Joyce Books Philemon, 97, passed away Friday, October 9, 2026, at Jesse Helms Nursing Center in Monroe. Born October 23, 1928, in Union County, she was the daughter of the late Carnie Benjamin Brooks and Leona Helms Brooks. She was also preceded in death by husbands, Reno Philemon, W.L. King, Graham Edwards, John Baker, son, Dale Philemon, siblings, Keith Brooks, Lillian Tetro, Nelson Mullis, Addison Brooks, John Vann Brooks, Perry Brooks, daughter-in-law, Becky Philemon and a great grandchild, Krista Lee Philemon.

She was well known for her volunteer work at church, fire department, Meals on Wheels, New Salem Elementary School and in her community in general.

A funeral service to celebrate the life of Joyce will be held 2 PM, Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Euto Baptist Church with the burial to follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends following the graveside in the church family life center.

Those left to cherish her memory included sons, Dwight Philemon (Margie) and Larry Philemon; daughter, Joyce Preslar (Mitchell); sibling, Mary Greene; 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren.

Memorials are suggested to be made to Euto Baptist Church, Cemetery Fund.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Jesse Helms Center for the compassionate care during Joyce’s stay with them.

Morgan & Son Funeral Home is caring for the family of Mrs. Philemon.