Joyce Margaret Morgan McRae, born on July 26, 1974, lost her battle with cancer on Oct. 29, 2026, surrounded by her loving family and devoted friends.
Joyce was born in New Jersey and moved to Rockingham in 1981. She attended school in Richmond County for 12 years and graduated from Richmond Senior High School in 1992.
She went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in 2000 in Early Childhood Education from St. Andrew’s Presbyterian College. She continued her education at Fayetteville State University where she earned her Master’s of Education in 2003. She later earned her Principal’s Certificate from Sandhills Leadership Academy in 2012.
Joyce was a fierce advocate for public education. She dedicated her life to Richmond County Schools and left a deep footprint on the district as a teacher, assistant principal and principal.
During her teaching career she taught at both Fairview Heights Elementary and Richmond Primary. She then served as an academic coach at Monroe Avenue Elementary School. She then became assistant principal at Richmond Senior High school. Joyce later became principal of Fairview Heights Elementary, The Ninth Grade Academy, Cordova Middle School, and finally landed at Richmond Senior High School.
Joyce will be remembered for so many things. She was a master at balancing her work life with her home life. She cherished her family while she thrived in her job. Each one fed the other in a very delicate give and take relationship that only she had access to. When the balance was threatened, she could readjust in a moment’s notice to make things right again for everyone.
Joyce loved all things Disney. She absolutely believed that Disney is the happiest place on earth, and Joyce knew that happiness is created one person at a time, one story at a time, one adventure at a time until all those things come together to fill your cup for the worst of days. Joyce had many “worst days” in the last few weeks, but her smile, her attitude, her desire to be with those she held the tightest was fueled by her cup that truly was running over.
Joyce’s family was her world and she prioritized making memories at every turn — the birthday parties, the girls’ nights, the backyard pool parties complete with themed attire. Those memories will forever be held close by the ones who shared them with her.
Joyce was married to the love of her life, Jamie. Joyce and Jamie had a marriage that couples today would be envious of. They truly shattered all stereotypes and created a life that was beautiful and fulfilling. Their children, Joseph, Jenna and Jacey, completed their life. Little did they know that Brynleigh, their granddaughter, would add another dimension to their wonderful love story.
Many people will recall and share memories of Joyce, otherwise known as Mrs. McRae. They will surely say that Joyce was a tough cookie that held high expectations for all. She was firm, fair and loving. She was a lot of things to a lot of people. That made Joyce a special person to so many people. She will always be a big part of people’s hearts.
Joyce is preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Clarence Morgan.
She is survived by her husband of 29 years, Jamie. Also surviving are her son, Joseph, and two daughters, Jenna and Jacey; her granddaughter, Byrnleigh; and her faithful furbaby, Jasper. Also surviving are her mother, Dorothy Morgan; her sisters, Jacqueline England, Dorothy Moore (Jerry), Dawn Waters; one brother, Kenneth Morgan; and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026 from 3-6 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Hamlet.
A celebration of her life will be Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Hamlet with Dr. Allison Farrah and the Rev. Bill Monroe officiating. Burial will follow at Marks Creek Presbyterian Church Cemetery.
Memorials to Richmond Co. Hospice, 1119 U.S. Hwy. 1 N. Rockingham, NC 28379; or Marks Creek Presbyterian Church Cemetery Fund, 150 Two Sisters Lane, Rockingham, NC 28379.
Online condolences may be made at watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is serving the McRae family.
