Robbie "Joyce" Whaley Morris

Joyce Whaley Morris, 85, of New Bern, NC, received her Angel Wings on December 22, 2025, surrounded by Family and Friends, at Carolina East Medical Center, in New Bern, NC. 

Joyce was born on April 20th, 1940, and was raised in Jones County. She graduated from Jones Senior High School in 1958, and, graduated from James Walker Hospital School of Nursing in Wilmington, NC, in 1961. Joyce became a Public Health Nurse in Craven and Jones Counties after graduation. In the early 1970’s, Joyce was instrumental in formation of the Speech and Hearing Clinic at Craven County Hospital, funded by Kate B. Reynolds Foundation, and received the Distinguished Service Award from the New Bern Jaycees for her role in that work. She was a founding member of and served on the Board of Directors for the Centenary Thru-the-Week School in New Bern. In 1980, Joyce was a member of Craven County Planning Committee. She was also a founding member of the Coastal Women’s Forum (CWF) in 1988 and, also served a term as its President. Joyce went on to have a fulfilling and successful second career as a New York Life Agent from 1983 until her retirement.

Joyce was pre-deceased by her Parents, Carrie Lane and Arthur L. Whaley; Brothers, Elmer Whaley; Harold Whaley, Horace Whaley and Jack B. Whaley. Sisters, Doris Whaley Stroud and Mary Frances Whaley Jones. She was also pre-deceased by Her Husband, Jason A. Morris, Sr. and Son, Jason A. Morris, Jr. (Jay).

Survivors include her Daughter, Jane Morris Purser; Grandchildren, John, Jared, Lindsey and Jack Purser and Ashley (Christopher) Bowers. Great-Grandchildren; Troy and Selene Bowers and Capria Davis. Brother, Arthur L. Whaley, Jr. of Kinston; and Special Sister-in-Law, Dorothy B. Whaley of Kinston. She was very proud of her role as “Aunt” to her many nieces and nephews and their families. Childhood friends; Ava Gray and Marie Henderson; and special friends, Evelyn Sauders and family, Drew Rhodes, Tim and Marjette Potter, Glenn and Angie Powell and Haywood and Susan Gillikin. She was also a beloved member of a close group of women friends that she referred to as her YaYa’s. 

Joyce was a faithful member of Centenary United Methodist Church, in New Bern. On Saturday, January 3rd at 11:00 A.M., there will be a Celebration of Life Service at Centenary, with the Reverend Vann Spivey Officiating. A reception will follow the service in the Fellowship Hall at the Church. Visitation at other times, at the Morris residence, 1350 Highway 17 North, New Bern, NC. 

In lieu of flowers, Joyce has requested Memorial donations be made to the Centenary Thru-the-Week (CTTW) School c/o Centenary UMC, P.O. Box 1388, New Bern, NC 28563, in her memory. 

Daniels-Sadler Funeral Home of Pamlico County was honored to assist the Family of Joyce W. Morris