Joyce Wilson Hawley passed away on January 18, 2026, at the age of 79, after succumbing to a serious head trauma from which she bravely fought back for 10 long days using the same indelible courage, fight, & persistence that she exhibited all her life. Joyce was loyal to family & friends, was a hilarious storyteller, a philosophical & political deep thinker, & an eclectic grandmother Mimi. She loved to fish, read, write poetry, draw, travel, go antiquing, be with her grandsons any way she could, & cook & eat good food. She also loved people: getting to know them & often helping them out of a tight jam or a tough life transition. In the Triangle she was known as a vivacious, talented singer. Her band “The Rhythm Section” performed for over 30 years in a wide range of venues including country clubs, most of the long-lost supper clubs of the Triangle, on WRAL-TV, at weddings, funerals, even a flatbed truck stage! Joyce sang anywhere anyone needed her to liven up an event or sing with sincerity. In addition to working as a vocalist & entertainer, she operated her own supper club from 1988-1994 in Raleigh called “Joyce’s.” She always “put in the work” as a real estate broker & investor, as a painter of art & furniture, as a writer of her own memoir, & as the co-creator & co-owner of a funky home furnishings store for 16 years alongside her two daughters. Many people living in or from the Triangle have her painted furniture, have memories of her singing at their family’s event or in her own club, or have read her memoir. Joyce leaves this world with tangible pieces of her creative talents. Many people will miss her love, her charisma, her spunk & her friendship. Though having Parksinson’s disease in her late 70’s challenged her confidence, Joyce never gave up for the sake of her family. She intensely grieved the loss of her older daughter, Liz Hawley Ennis, who passed in 2023. Joyce is survived by her youngest daughter Chrissy Hawley Pressley; her equally unique four grandsons Barrett & Graham Ennis, & Liam & Connor Pressley; her son-in-law Matt Pressley & son-in-law Randy Ennis; her sister Janice Massengill; her brother & sister-in-law Woody & Bobbie Wilson; & her best friend & joyous dog companion Toby. Those that knew her & loved her the best will never let her be forgotten.

Download a “best of” collection of Joyce’s studio recordings HERE.