Joyce Johnson

Joyce McArthur Johnson, 76, of Cornelius, NC (Formerly of Columbia, SC) passed away on December 23rd, 2025 at Novant Huntersville Medical Center following a lengthy illness.

Joyce was born on July 19th, 1949 in San Diego, CA to the late James Allen McArthur and the late Mary Charlotte Morgan McArthur.

Those left to cherish Joyce’s memory include her son David Johnson (Kristin) of Davidson, NC, her daughter Kimberly Alkire of Statesville, NC, her sister Susan Farrell (Charlie) of Columbia, SC, grandsons Nathaniel Johnson, Jacob Johnson, granddaughter Emily Alkire, niece Allison Farrell (Randy), nephew Jake Farrell (Adrienne), a host of cousins scattered throughout the country and lifelong special friend Marcia Stephenson (Sam).

Joyce grew up on James Island, SC and spent much time on her beloved Folly Beach. Whether it was dancing on the pier, watching the surfers or being a part of the cheer team at James Island High School, she always looked back on her childhood with such happiness and joy.

Joyce was a proud graduate of The University Of South Carolina by which she earned a degree in business administration. After graduating, she settled in the Columbia, SC area and raised a family. She worked for a number of years at Lexington Medical Center. Finally, she was given the opportunity to work at the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division where she made lifelong friends and loved working beside such a professional and dedicated group of colleagues. She was most proud of working in the forensics department, specifically being a part of the team that helped to launch the CODIS DNA Database System for The State Of South Carolina.

In later years, she moved up to North Carolina to be closer to her children and grandchildren. She loved spending time with her family and her cats Dolly, Tee Tom and Little Girl. She always greeted everyone with a smile and a kind word as they walked through the door. She was a firm believer of Christ and looked forward to her daily bible study as she began each morning.

A private family visitation will take place at Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home in Huntersville, NC on Tuesday, December 30th, 2025 at 4pm.

A private graveside funeral service will take place on Friday, January 2nd 2026 at Riverview Memorial Park in North Charleston, SC.

Memorials may be made to: The Humane Society South Carolina, 405 Greenlawn Drive, Columbia, SC 29209.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Paul Savage and his team at Atrium Wake Forest and also to Autumn Care of Cornelius for their dedicated and passionate care of Joyce in recent years.

She will be greatly missed by her family, friends and all who knew her. We are comforted in the fact that she is now in heaven with her redeemer, savior and Lord Jesus Christ.