Joyce Maxine (Wellborn) Cox

Joyce Wellborn Cox, age 89, died June 20, 2022. A long-time resident of Spruce Pine, N.C., she was the daughter of the late Joseph Marion Wellborn and Flossie Rebecca Howard Wellborn. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Joseph Marion Jr. and John Howard Wellborn.

Joyce grew up on Walnut Street in Spruce Pine, N.C., and then attended Emory & Henry College, which become like a second home to her. She loved her time there and relished the opportunities for learning and growth.

After graduation, Joyce began her career as a seventh grade teacher in Mitchell County, N.C. While teaching, she earned a master’s degree from Appalachian State University. For the next forty years, she taught U.S. History and Civics in Fort Myers, Fla., Memphis, Tenn., and Kansas City, Mo. Joyce believed that to be a good U.S. citizen, one must understand how our democracy works. To that end, Joyce sponsored the Youth in Government program at her Missouri high school where she coached students to represent and serve their communities through model government. Through this experience, Joyce mentored a number of students who eventually ran and held public office in many levels of government. After retirement from teaching, Joyce worked as operations manager at Heartland Community Credit Union in Kansas City.

A true student of the world, Joyce was known for her passion for travel; she had visited all fifty states and all seven continents. Wherever she went, she sought out stories of everyday life and was equally fascinated by meeting President Jimmy Carter while overseas or learning to properly prepare Chinese tea. Twice Joyce lived a year abroad, teaching English in the Czech Republic and in China.

Joyce’s natural curiosity extended to animals. From the pandas in China to the elephants in Thailand, she wanted to see them all. Never one to be afraid, she was bitten by a penguin in Antarctica -- probably because she stuck her gloved finger out to see what would happen.

An avid art lover, Joyce had her own kiln and enjoyed making and teaching ceramics out of her home.  On her travels, she was interested in local art and amassed quite a collection.

Joyce had an affinity for China and its culture that she was eager to share. She held leadership roles in The Society for Friendship with China, Kansas City-Xian Sister Cities Committee, and Kansas City Sister Cities Association.  She also served as organizer of the Annual Kansas City International Dragon Boat Festival for many years.

In 2013, Joyce moved from Kansas City to Aldersgate, a retirement community in Charlotte, N.C., to be closer to family. In her new home, she enjoyed meeting new people and quickly became involved in the Residents’ Council, a reminiscing group, and the United Women in Faith. 

Jocyce is survived by her sister-in-law, Scottie Proffitt Wellborn; her niece, Rebecca Wellborn Grant; Rebecca’s husband, Jay Grant; and their children, Julia and Bo. The family would like to thank Joyce’s incredible care team: the Aldersgate staff and nurses of Mallard Way and Aldersgate at Home; Seniors Helping Seniors; Memory and Movement Charlotte; and Levine & Dickson Hospice House.

A memorial service for Joyce will be held on Friday, July 1, 2022, at 11 a.m. in the chapel at Aldersgate, Charlotte, N.C. The family will receive friends immediately after the service.

Burial of her remains will take place in Spruce Pine, N.C., later this year.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations

to the Aldersgate Guardian Angel Fund, 3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, N.C. 28215.

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