Joyce Gilley Burrell
October 11, 1956 ~ October 1, 2026
Born in:
Macon, GA
Resided in:
Fairview, NC
Asheville Butterfly TrailJoyce Gilley Burrell, of Asheville, passed away at Flesher’s Fairview Health Care Center.
Joyce was born on October 11, 1956, in Macon, Georgia, to the late Jesse Gilley and Betty Gladwell Gilley. She devoted much of her life to education and began her career as a second-grade teacher at Temple Baptist School. She later became principal of Greenville Christian Academy, where she continued her commitment to educating and guiding young people. Dedicated to her profession, Joyce furthered her own education by earning a master’s degree in elementary administration.
In addition to her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Curtis Burrell, Jr., and her sister, Phyllis O’Farrell.
She is survived by her son, Curtis Burrell and wife, Crystal; her brother, Donovan Gilley; as well as other family members and friends who will remember Joyce for her dedication to education and the many lives she touched throughout the years.
A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Green Hills Cemetery.
Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue is assisting the family with arrangements.
Services
Graveside Service: October 4, 2026 10:00 am
Green Hills Cemetery
25 New Leicester Hwy.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)252-9831
What a wonderful friend, coworker, and Christian lady your mom was. I have wonderful memories of your family at Temple. May the slots give you strength, comfort, and grace in the days ahead! Love and prayers!
Joyce is experiencing the unmatched landscape of Heaven. She is ALIVE & welll!! She is a remarkable person in SO many dimensions…. Spiritual to the Relational!! She is meeting Phillis & Grandmommy!!! Along with her favorite Biblical people…. Sights & Sounds are indescribable!!!! Big Curtis is there TOO!!! What a Reunion!!! Jesus is ALL the focus!!!!! More than we can imagine!!!!!
I never knew Joyce was a second grade teacher or principal! It makes sense though because of the way she spoke, slowly, kindly and the way she was so organized! I have spent years near her but unfortunately not enough one on one quality time. She didn’t talk about herself. She would make you the center of attention. She made you feel special! I know she is in heaven but I am still feeling the shock of it all. Truly she will be missed daily at Fleshers, as that was her home. She will be missed every Tuesday morning at worship and Bible study. She will be remembered and missed every day I walk into the building. She was always optimistic and cheerful. I loved her. I was one of her nurses. Kathy Bowser
Mrs. Burrell was my favorite teacher! She referred to my class as her “Lovey Doveys”. In fact she was my first and second grade teacher. We begged her to move up to second grade and she did. She made me feel special and she believed in me. I will forever be grateful for her love and care. She was a Proverbs 31 Lady!!
Mrs. Burrell was my second grade teacher. She was one of the most patient, kind, godly women that I’ve had the joy of knowing. She loved the Lord and was a true example for Christian living. I look forward to seeing her again one day! We are praying for the family.