A Loving Farewell Joyce Loretta Bullock

(NOVEMBER 4, 1959 - JANUARY 28, 2020)

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2020 1:00 P. M.

COLEY SPRINGS MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 224 PARKTOWN ROAD

WARRENTON, NORTH CAROLINA 27589 PASTOR CARSON F. JONES, JR., M.DIV., OFFICIANT

-The Order of Divine Worship- The Prelude………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...…………...Elder Allen F. Brown, Organist The Processional The Musical Selection………………………………………………………………………………………....……………………………...………………..Celebration Choir The Sacred Meditation: Old Testament……………………………………………………………………………....…………………………….……………...Pastor Carrie W. Alexander

Jordan Chapel Baptist Church Franklin County, North Carolina

New Testament…………….……………………………………………………………………………………………..………….………...Pastor Charles C. Davis St. Matthews Baptist Church

Lugoff, South Carolina The Prayer of Consolation…………………………………………………………………………………………………….....………………Pastor Cheryl Bell Hyman

Higher Dimensions CUCOC Macon, North Carolina

The Musical Selection…………………………………………………………………………………….................................……………………..Pastor J. Terrell Alston Perfecting Praise Ministries Warrenton, North Carolina

The Tributes of Love (Please limit two minutes) Reverend John Green, Principal - Warren County High School Pastor Lawrence Williams, The Largo Community Brother Sam Alston, John Graham High School - Class of 1978 Brother Dwight Elam, The Church and Friend Sister Jennifer Sims, The Family The Acknowledgment of Condolences, Resolutions and Reading of the Obituary…………..………….………...………..Sister Joyce D. Edmonds The Musical Selection……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…...…………….Celebration Choir The Special Tribute……………………………………………………………………………………………………………....………………...Brother Larry M. Jones, Jr. The Musical Selection…………………………………………………………………………………...……………………………….……Reverend Gayle Jones-Foster The Message of Hope…………………………………………………………………………………………..……...…………………………...Pastor Carson F. Jones, Jr.

-Mortician In Charge- The Musical Selection…………………………………………………………………………………...……………………………....……………………..Celebration Choir The Recessional The Postlude

-The Final Resting Place - Committal, Interment and Benediction

Coley Springs Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery Warrenton, North Carolina

-The Reflections of a Life Well Lived-

Dignity, love, faith, determination, elegance and strength are all words that describe Joyce Loretta Bullock - a loving daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, co-worker and friend. What a happy day it was on Friday, the fourth day of November, Nineteen Hundred and Fifty Nine when a precious and pretty little girl was born to James Alston Bullock and Mary Agnes Simes Bullock in Warren County, North Carolina.

Loretta as she was most affectionately called by all who knew her was taught at an early age that Jesus was the head of the family. In keeping with her teachings, she joined the family church, got baptized and became an active disciple of the Coley Springs Missionary Baptist Church. Growing up in a tight community, she always attended Largo Sunday School and looked forward to the yearly Children’s Day programs where she could wear her dress made by the late Mrs. Sarah Davis Hawkins. Being the only girl out of the five children, she played many days in Largo with Bettie Ann Royster, but on Sunday’s after church, she would be over Aunt Theresa’s playing with her god-sisters, putting on make up and jazzy dresses.

As a youth, Loretta was active in the church and was blessed with the gift to sing. She sang in the Cherubim Choir and any choir that would allow her to sing. In her leisure, she took piano classes under her mentor and teacher, Mrs. Connie E. Davis - not knowing that this would pave the way for God to bless her to use another gift playing the piano for Coley Springs and churches in the community - Chapel Hill Baptist Church, Oak Level United Church of Christ and several others. Occasionally, she along with Aries “Peaches” Davis, would be the musicians for the church.

Education was an integral part of her upbringing. She always displayed a willingness to learn and remembered the teachings of many, but always talked about the strict yet good disciplinarian, Mr. Felton B. Davis, Jr. - often times, she would remind us that the teachers are not like they were back then, because Mr. Davis didn’t play. Loretta matriculated and graduated from the John Graham High School, Class of 1978. Shortly after high school, she enrolled and graduated from Raleigh School of Data Processing.

She was employed for Ballance and Ballance Attorneys At Law for over 15 years as an Administrative Assistant and Office Manager. Not only did she assist with the Attorney division, she worked alongside Attorney Ballance as he campaigned to be-come a Senator for the district.

In 1997, she accepted a position with the Warren County School Systems in the Administrative Department. She worked tire-lessly and effortlessly to complete any given task. She was a people person who always had that smile when you entered her office. The students loved walking through her office to see what she had going on or if any treats were on her desk, often times, she would say “yall betta get to class.” While working with the school district, she was a member of the North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) and past President of North Carolina Association of Educators - Office Professionals (NCAE-OP). She did her best to attend every football and basketball game, hollering for the mighty Eagles to get the ball; but the love she had for the Dynamic Marching Machine under the guidance of Mr. Taylor Whitehead was unconditional.

A lover of music from an early age, Loretta was intrigued by good gospel singing. She was a woman of Worship who loved to praise the Lord through song. She sang on the Gospel Chorus, Sanctuary Choir, played for and directed the Children’s Choir. In 1990, under the pastorate of Charles C. Davis she and one of her favorite musicians, Elder Allen F. Brown founded the Coley Springs Young Adult Choir which became the traveling choir for the church. She had one of the strongest and vibrant soprano voices. She always wanted the choir to be the best, so she sang whatever had to be sung to make sure the harmony was re-ceived. In addition to singing with her church choir, she sang in the Warren County Mass Choir, Pastor Steve Hargrove and Choir, Greenwood Baptist Church and any other choir when needed.

In her church, Loretta was a dedicated and dependable servant - she served as Church Clerk for over 25 years, a member of the Music Ministry, Missionary Ministry, Women’s Fellowship Ministry, Homecoming/Church Anniversary Committee, Children Ministry Advisor and Young Adult Ministry Advisor . In her community, Loretta was a member of the Largo Club, Warren County MLK Committee and Warren County Community Center Board of Trustees where she served as secretary for many years. In her family, she was a member of the Simms-Simes-Sims Family Reunion Committee, and attended every gathering which was immensely important to her.

Loretta was one of the jazziest women around - when she stepped out, she stepped in class from head to toe, everything was in place. She enjoyed many things but loved attending events with her 1978 classmates, traveling, spending time with her Chyann, attending events with Larry and shopping, shopping, shopping, if Macy’s, Belk or Dillards had a sale, you could count on Loretta to know where and when it was going on. She loved green plants and collecting tea pots, where she accessorized her office with them.

Like the Apostle Paul wrote in Timothy, she fought a good fight, she finished her course and she kept the faith. Loretta never complained about her trials and tribulations, she always said, “I’m Good” or “I’m hanging in there.” Suddenly on Tuesday, Jan-uary 28, 2020, she answered God’s call to get her robe and sing in the Heavenly Choir.

We have plans but our Heavenly Father is the ruler of our lives, and though there are things that we don’t understand, we sub-mit to God’s will. Those remaining to forever memorialize her precious life and share the legacy of her love and sweet spirit are: four brothers, John Clifton Bullock (Viola), Melvin Thomas Bullock, Reverend Dr. Calvin Coolidge Bullock (Barbara) and Ronald Wayne Bullock; one god-son, Larry M. Jones, Jr.; two aunts, Katherine B. Williams and Cora Lee Hymon Simes; one un-cle, Joseph Bullock (Shirley); four cousins raised in the home, Celestine Woods, Robert Macklin (Deborah), William Macklin (Joyce) and Joseph Macklin; six god-sisters, Ollie H. Burton, Reverend Bertie Watson (Jack), Patricia H. Barnes (Melvin), Han-nah H. Bullock (Odell), Carolyn H. Jones and Dr. Shirley Hymon-Parker (Gene); nine nieces and nephews, Johnsie (Keith), Tim-mie (Marla), Gina, Tanya, Tanishia, Marie, Melissa, Ronald Jr. and Jamarcus; eighteen great nieces and nephews; one great-great nephew; three great-great nieces; a close cousin, Ada S. Davis; a lifelong friend, Bettie Ann Royster; a circle of co-workers, church family and loving friends.

Dear Family and Friends,

Please be advised that I have moved. The other day I received a call from God, the Chief Architect, and He informed me that my home was complete. You know that I have been working on my building, sending up my timber, packing up and getting ready to go. I knew that my mansion needed some finishing touches and the chief carpenter, Jesus Christ, had to inspect it and give His final approval. On Tuesday, January 28, 2020, He let me know that I could move in. He told me to go ahead and change my address from 519 Largo Road. Well, my new home is finished and what a site it is to behold! It is located on an exclusive estate behind a pearly gate. It’s just over the other side of the serene celestial shore. Of course, the streets really are paved with gold and every day is Sunday, just like you have been told. There is peace here, joy, happiness, no pain or heartache, no more pills, no more doctors, no strife nor discontent, only sweet serenity. I can dine at my Master’s beautiful banquet table and sing with the heavenly choir. And best of all, my heavenly family is here in all of His Glory! And oh yes, I have my own white robe and golden wings. I could go on and on about my new home, but instead, I am going to pray that you get to move here someday al-so. Before I go though, let me give you my new address….

Joyce Loretta Bullock *60 Glorious Years Lane*Godstown, Heaven

P.S. I don’t have a telephone, paper, email or cell phone. But, you can always call on God. If you don’t know His number, read your Bible. It’s listed on every page.

“Don’t vex yourself with questions No need to feel dismay,

Life here for me has ended, But, I am with you everyday.

Don’t lose the love I gave you, Feed it with care

Grow it with devotion, And, spread it everywhere.

Don’t fret because my leaving Came in such a sudden way We’ll have another meeting

On God’s eternal day.”

-Honorary Floral Escorts- Warren County High School Co-Workers

Carol H. Daye Carol Johnson Pamela Jordan Folami Alston Odessa Perry

Sophia Cranston Crystal Boyd

-Floral and Casket Escorts- John Graham High School Class of 1978

-The Repast- Immediately following the interment, the family will fellowship with visitors and

friends in the Coley Springs Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.

-The Acknowledgment of Gratitude- We, the family of our beloved Joyce Loretta Bullock would like to express our sin-cere gratitude for your kind acts of love and encouragement through calls, visits, cards, gifts and prayers. It is the love and support of each and every one of you that manifests God’s grace. We appreciate your endless spiritual and physical

support. Special thanks to the Largo Community, Dwight Elam and Barbara Ev-ans. We thank God for the comfort He brings us through your love and care.

May God Bless You in His Care!

Singing in the Heavenly Choir... “I LOVE TO PRAISE HIM”

“NOTHING BUT THE HOLY GHOST” “HE WILL BE RIGHT THERE”

“SURELY HE’S ABLE” “I LOVE HIM”

“BYE AND BYE” “SILVER AND GOLD”

“WE’VE COME THIS FAR BY FAITH” “HAVE THINE OWN WAY DEAR LORD”

“HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW” “IS YOUR ALL ON THE ALTAR”

“I SHALL WEAR A CROWN” “ON MY WAY TO HEAVEN”

“HE MADE THE DIFFERENCE” “LORD, KEEP ME DAY BY DAY”

“I PRAY WE ALL BE READY” “THE HOLY GHOST POWER”

“THEY GOT THE WORD” “TAKE UP YOUR CROSS”

“RUNNING FOR JESUS A LONG TIME”

-The Final Care of Our Loved One Entrusted To- R. H. Greene Funeral Home, Inc.

109 South Front Street Warrenton, North Carolina 27589

Telephone: (252) 257-2345 Fax: (252) 257-3034

Nathaniel G. Yarbrough, Mortician

“Where Friendly Service Comes First in Our Business”