Hendersonvile, NC – Joyce Dupree Hildebrand of Hendersonville, North Carolina, a retired high school French teacher and librarian, passed away peacefully on the morning of Thursday, April 04, 2024, at the age of 86 at Four Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care’s Elizabeth House in Flat Rock, North Carolina.
Born near Smithfield, North Carolina on August 05, 1937, Joyce lived a life filled with passion, purpose, and creativity. Joyce, who pursued her education at East Carolina College in Greenville, North Carolina, was an inspiration to all who knew her. She was an avid gardener, known for having the tidiest yard and most bountiful vegetable garden in the area. Her love for good music, art, classical literature, and animals, especially cats, shone brightly in her daily life. Joyce dedicated her time to rescuing and caring for many discarded or lost critters, embodying compassion and kindness.
A talented artist, Joyce created beautiful handicrafts that were cherished by many and sold in mountain gift shops. She believed in the value of hard work and taking care of the earth, finding solace and joy in spending time outdoors. Joyce’s deep connection to nature was evident in everything she did.
Joyce was born into a tobacco farming family and later found her true home and happiness in the North Carolina mountains when she moved there with her former husband, Wayne, in 1972. She remained there until her passing, surrounded by the natural beauty she cherished.
Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Alton and Annie Beasley Dupree; sister, Ellen D. Fleming; brothers Joseph Edward “Jack” Dupree, Kenneth Lawrence Dupree, and James Curtis Dupree; and beloved cat, Callie.
She is survived by her brother, Dewey Banks “D.B.” Dupree of Princeton, North Carolina; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In honoring Joyce’s wishes, no services will be held. Those who wish to make a memorial donation in Joyce’s memory are encouraged to consider supporting their local animal rescue group.
The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Elizabeth House for their compassionate care and support during Joyce’s time there. Joyce’s legacy of love, creativity, and dedication to the earth will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park, Hendersonville, North Carolina is assisting the Hildebrand family.
