Laura "Joyce" Simpson Bruce, age 84, of Lumberton, NC, passed away on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at UNC Health Southeastern in Lumberton, NC, due to cancer.

Joyce leaves behind to cherish her memories, her husband of almost 67 years, Lewis E. "Ed" Bruce, Jr.; one son, Richard E. Bruce (Lena); two daughters, Peggy Joyce Bass (Charles) and Annette B. Wallwork (Phillip), all of Lumberton, NC; five grandchildren: Richard E. Bruce, Jr. (Jill) and Amanda R. Mili, all of Lumberton, NC, Laura Lee Carter (Oscar) of Sellers, SC, and Brian T. Melvin and Cory B. Melvin, both of Winterville, NC; and seven great-grandchildren.

Joyce and Ed were married on April 15, 1955 in San Francisco, CA, where she had lived for a few years after moving from Cedartown, GA.  The two lived in San Francisco for four years, where Richard and Peggy were born, then moved here to Lumberton.  Annette was born in Scotland County, NC.

Joyce was very fond of cactus plants and had several varieties on hand. Another love was collecting frog figures. They, too, were numerous throughout her home.

After Ed's retirement from the U.S. Navy, they visited all but four of our states, Canada, Mexico, and the Virgin Islands. Joyce spent several years in various food service establishments, with the last few in Robeson County School System.

Joyce was an avid reader of her bible, and was a firm believer in the Holy Word.

The family will receive friends and loved ones on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, from 6:00-8:00 PM at Floyd Mortuary & Crematory, Inc., 809 E. 5th Street in Lumberton, NC.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Gardens of Faith Mausoleum, 5190 Fayetteville Road in Lumberton, NC, with Rev. Johnny Bruce officiating.

If you wish, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Gibson Cancer Center, 1200 Pine Run Drive, Lumberton, NC 28358.