Joyce Ellen Croes Bingham, 58, passed away on Friday, March 19, 2010, after a short illness.
Joyce was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Growing up, she lived the life of a vagabond, living everywhere from Massachusetts to Key West. She finally settled in Apex and made it home. "Do what you love, Love what you do! Bloom where you are planted!" Joyce was a vital member of the Apex community. She worked as a librarian at Eva Perry Regional Library, where she embraced two of the things she loved most, people and books. Joyce was a founding member and the "heart" of the Shepherd's Vineyard Book Club, which has met continuously for twenty-one years. Joyce was the best wife, best daughter, best sister, best mother, and best friend and unselfish in her caring for anyone she met in every circumstance.
Joyce is survived by Brian, her loving and devoted husband of thirty-five years; her two cherished daughters, Emily Bingham and Kate Bingham; and longtime friend, Michael Houston; father, William J. Croes of Apex; sister, Janis Eatman Davis and husband, Wayne of Portsmouth, Virginia; a nephew, Andrew Eatman of Los Angeles, California; and her beloved cat, Oliver.
Joyce was predeceased by her mother, Denise I. Croes, and her nephew, Josh L. Eatman. A memorial service for Joyce will be held at 1:30 pm, Sunday, March 28, 2010, at the Matthews House located at 317 W. Chatham Street, in downtown Cary, North Carolina.
Following the memorial service, friends may continue to meet with family and with each other from 2:30 pm until 4:00 pm. To reflect Joyce's spreading of sunshine to all who knew her, the family requests no black attire. In lieu of flowers and because of her immeasurable love of animals, contribution to the Wake County SPCA would be Joyce's wish. Remembrances of Joyce may be made at wwv.apexfuneral.com
Copyright Charlotte News Observer on-line edition; downloaded January 27, 2012.