Joyce Poole, age 94, of Raleigh, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at The Cadence of North Raleigh.

Born on June 26, 1931, at the old Rex Hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina. Joyce was the daughter of the late Herbert Tyson Poole and Oradell Layton Poole. A lifelong resident of the Raleigh area, she touched many lives through her kindness, friendship, and dedication to those around her.

She graduated from Hugh Morson High School in Raleigh in 1949, attended Peace College for one year, and then worked for a year in Louisville, Kentucky, before returning to Raleigh.

There she entered what became her beloved thirty-year-plus career as a programmer in the NCSU Statistics Dept., specializing in the new and groundbreaking SAS statistics software implemented by the Genetics Statistics subgroup headed by Dr. Clark Cockerham. As a retired State professor remembers, Joyce “was invaluable to many NC State graduate students and faculty who used SAS software in their research and consulted with her on programming.”

In retirement she loved reading, playing bridge, enjoying Eliot Engel lectures and trips, doting on her cats Muffin, Nickel, and others – and especially walking and talking with friends. “She was a good friend,” says one. “We solved a lot of problems while we talked and talked.”

Joyce volunteered with Meals on Wheels and with her church, White Memorial Presbyterian Church.

She lived for many years in the Cameron Park neighborhood of Raleigh with her mother, Oradell, and her aunt, Nora Weathers, both of whom predeceased her.

A graveside service will be held at noon on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the Montlawn Memorial Park, 2911 South Wilmington Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, 27603.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the NCSU Statistics Dept., SPCA of Wake County, or a charity of your choice.

She is lovingly remembered by her family, including Shelley Rowland of Nashville, North Carolina, Andrea Rowland Hooten and her husband, Jay, of Zebulon, North Carolina; and Sandra Rowland Freeman and her husband, Mike, of Louisburg, North Carolina.

Joyce also leaves behind her special neighbors, Marianne and her husband, Tom, of Raleigh, North Carolina, as well as a host of extended family members and friends who will cherish her memory.

Her work family at North Carolina State University was a very special part of her life, and she greatly valued the friendships she formed there. She was also grateful for the companionship and friendship of her many friends at The Cadence of North Raleigh.

The family extends heartfelt appreciation to Clay of Amedisys of Garner for his compassionate care and support. Special thanks are also given to the entire staff of The Cadence of North Raleigh and Amedisys of Garner for the kindness, dedication, and care they provided to Joyce.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her love will remain in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

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