Joyce King Strickland Upton passed away on September 13, 2026 at UNC Johnston Health.  She was born on May 10, 1937, to the late Henry Roy Strickland and Mary Fulghum Strickland.  She was preceded in death by her daughter, Catherine Elizabeth Upton; her sister, Joan Kaye Strickland Parker; her half-sister-in-law Harriet Jane Upton; and her brother and sister-in-law, Jack Herndon Upton and Jackie Bridgers Upton.

As a young girl, Joyce developed the strong work ethic that defined her life. During the summers, she barned tobacco six days a week alongside friends she remained close with until her passing. During the polio epidemic, when school was postponed, she spent some time picking cotton and could pick 100 pounds a day. She also worked at the Extension Office, measuring tobacco land with surveying equipment, and later worked at Wake Forest College as a dormitory receptionist.

Although her father had educational funds set aside for her, Joyce was determined to earn her own way and paid for two years of college herself.

After graduating as Salutatorian of Smithfield High School, she also lettered as a Cheerleader and was voted Most Intellectual and was accompanist of Glee Club. Joyce attended Wake Forest College, first in Wake Forest and later in Winston-Salem after the school relocated. She later graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1959 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. She was also a member of the PI BETA PI Sorority and she remained a lifelong and devoted fan of Carolina basketball and football.  

Teaching was Joyce’s calling. She taught school in Fayetteville and Smithfield, North Carolina. Later in life, she became an image consultant with Beauty Control Cosmetics of Dallas, Texas, a role she enjoyed until the company closed in 2017.  On November 22, 1959, Joyce married her high school sweetheart, Stephen Richard “Steve” Upton Jr., and together they built a blessed life filled with love, family, and devotion. Through Steve’s work with Whirlpool Corporation, they were blessed to travel throughout Europe and across the United States. 

Joyce was the greatest cheerleader for her family. She enthusiastically supported her children in all their activities—whether Richard hitting a baseball or Elizabeth on the tennis court—and later her grandchildren, whether Chelsie was sitting on the soccer field, cheering for Smithfield-Selma High School, or Zack sliding into home plate or shooting a basket. When her great granddaughters were born Zoey Kathryn Upton in 2022, and Marlee Irene Mueller in 2024 Joyce cheered on every new accomplishment. Cooking for her family was one of Joyce’s greatest joys, especially during holidays and family gatherings. She was famously known by her grandchildren for making the best dessert and trail mix in town.

Joyce was deeply involved in her church and community. At First Baptist Church of Smithfield,  she taught the older ladies’ Sunday School class and later a class of her peers. She served as assembly leader and pianist, cooked in the soup kitchen, participated in mission groups, and helped preserve the history of the church through 2020. She also faithfully attended Bible Study Fellowship for many years.  In the community, Joyce served as president of the Smithfield Junior Woman’s Club, president of the Smithfield Woman’s Club, and president of the Smithfield-Selma High School Boosters Club. She also served as chief judge at the South Smithfield precinct during elections. .She gave generously to those in need, volunteering with Meals on Wheels and participating in the Big Sister/Little Sister program through Johnston County Social Services. She often went above and beyond—such as bringing bread from the Pepperidge Farm Outlet to the soup kitchen and local senior center.

When her son Richard opened Zack’s Char-Grill in downtown Smithfield in July 2005, Joyce eagerly joined him and her grandson Zackary in the family business. Whether she was scooping ice cream, serving customers, or sharing a smile with everyone who walked through the door, Joyce embraced every moment. The restaurant became more than a workplace; it was a place where she strengthened the bond with her son and grandson, met countless members of the community, and watched with pride as her family’s dream flourished. Seeing her children and grandchildren succeed was one of the greatest blessings of her life.

Joyce is survived by her devoted husband, Stephen Richard “Steve” Upton, Jr.; her son, Stephen Richard Upton III; granddaughter, Chelsie Lee Upton Mueller and husband Alexander Craig Mueller; grandson, Zackary Richard Upton; great-granddaughters, Zoey Kathryn Upton and Marlee Irene Mueller; nieces, Brooke Miedema and husband Eric, and Blaire Denson and husband Rocky; chosen son-in-law, Tommy Peacock, and the beloved Ann Wallace family, whom she considered among her dearest friends.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in Sunset Memorial Park in Smithfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:  First Baptist Church Music Ministries, P.O. Box 209, Smithfield, NC 27577.