Joyce Ferguson Eakes

Joyce Ferguson Eakes, 89 of Durham, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2025 at her home. She was born in Durham, North Carolina, on September 7th, 1936 to the late Bernice Ferguson and Hattie Lee Carpenter.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Eakes was preceded in death by her husband Ira (Beau) Eakes, brother Clyde Ferguson, sister Bobbie Hall and her son Michael Oakley.

Mrs. Eakes was a Christian lady and attended RTP Community Church in Durham. She retired after many years of caring for children in her home. She had a great love for children and kept a total of 404 of them over the years. She got pleasure from working in her yard and would often stay outside most of the day.

Mrs. Eakes truly loved and enjoyed her family and will be deeply missed by everyone blessed to have known her. She is survived by her son, Barry Oakley (Lila), son David Oakley (Kim), daughter Melisa Waller (Mark), son Vic Oakley (Andrea), son Douglas Sasser (Linda) and daughter-in-law, Linda Oakley; 10 grandchildren; Steven Oakley, Brandon Oakley, Bobby Oakley, Dwayne Oakley, Melinda Evans, Kirk Brown, Crystal Winders, Ryan Oakley, Rachael Oakley, and Jennifer Sasser; a host of great grandchildren and great–great grandchildren.

A celebration of Mrs. Eakes life will be held at the RTP Community Church, 1727 Ed Cook Road at 2 p.m. on Wednesday September 17, 2025. The family will receive visitors from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. prior to the service at the church. A committal graveside service will be held at Oak Grove Memorial Gardens.

Officiating will be Pastor Al Byrd and Pastor Peggy House.

Pallbearers will be Steven Oakley, Brandon Oakley, Bobby Oakley, Dwayne Oakley, Kirk Brown and Rob Winders. Honorary pallbearers will be Tim Ferguson and Ryan Oakley.

Flowers are acceptable or donations can be made in Joyce's memory to the RTP Community Church, PO Box 11236, Durham, NC 27703.