Linda Joyce Williamson Hathaway, 79, beloved wife, mama, grandma, great grandma, daughter, aunt, and sister departed this life to be with her Lord and Savior on July 9, 2025. She loved the Lord, her family, her fur baby Mellie, her church, and her friends. She will be greatly missed by many.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Sarah Williamson, and her husband, Larry Phillip Hathaway.

Joyce's career in early childhood began when she founded Hathaway's Hunny Tree Child Care Center and continued through her work as Miss Joybell and as an early childhood instructor at Edgecombe Community College until her retirement. She also faithfully served as the music director at Tarboro First Free Will Baptist Church for over 30 years.

She is survived by her loving family, including her daughters, Rhonda Wells and husband Robin, and Jennifer Hathaway; grandchildren, Lee Wells and wife Rachel, and Rachel Moore and husband Steven; great-grandchildren, Hunter, Mackenzie, and Oliver; sister, Carolyn Hess (Milton); brother, Ray Williamson, and a host of extended family and friends.

The family will hold a private service. If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tarboro First Free Will Baptist Church.