Joyce Naomi Prevette Funderburk, 82, of Landis, passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Novant Health Rowan Medical Center in Salisbury surrounded by family.

Joyce was born December 27, 1943, in Iredell County, North Carolina to the late Alvin Levi Prevette and the late Ioline Naomi Overcash Prevette.

She was also preceded in death by husband of 57 years, William Gary Funderburk, Sr. and daughter, Cari Summerford.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Whitley's Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Whitley's Funeral Home in Kannapolis officiated by Pastor Lucas Safrit. 

Survivors include children, Ardith Peacock (Byron) of Lexington, NC and son, William Gary “Billy” Funderburk, Jr. (Christy) of Wendell, NC; son-in-law, Terry Summerford of Kannapolis, NC; grandchildren, Trevor Summerford, Falyn Dillon (Patrick), Devon-William Price Peacock (Kayla), Tarin McCubbins (Tyler), Ashlyn Scruggs (Tyler), and Dixon Funderburk; great-grandchildren, Danton Dillon, Cadence Peacock, ArdLynn Scruggs, Lukas McCubbins, Kinsley Rose, and Isaac-Lewis Peacock; sister, Martha Mitchell (Jim); niece, Crystal Winter; and nephew, Scott Adams.

Joyce found joy in serving others and was very involved in her children's education, volunteering for many years as a teacher's aide and remaining an active supporter of the school even after her children had graduated. She shared a love of adventure with her late husband, visiting 49 states together and creating treasured memories along the way, including a cross-country train journey. Joyce enjoyed crocheting and sewing, often creating handmade items for those she loved. A lifelong reader, she developed a love of books at a young age and built a substantial personal library over the years. She also found happiness in caring for her flower gardens and caring for the cats she adored throughout her life. Above all, Joyce was an active part of North Kannapolis United Methodist Church, where she was always willing to lend a helping hand and serve her church family whenever she was able.

Memorials may be made to the Imagination Library, Donate to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

Make checks payable to

The Dollywood Foundation

111 E Main St, 2nd Floor

Sevierville, TN 37862