Mrs. Margaret Delores Boyce, 75, of 905 Robys Place, Statesville, N.C., passed away Friday, January 1, 2021, at the Gordon Hospice House following an extended illness. She was born in Mocksville, N.C., on October 12, 1945, and was the daughter of the late Walker L. Gillespie and Carrie Gaither Gillespie. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sisters, Mary Frances Goldsmith and Kara Garnell James; and two brothers, Jerry Lee Gillespie and James Ralph Gillespie. She was married to John Boyce, who survives.

Mrs. Boyce was a graduate of Unity High School and Mitchell Community College. She retired from Bridgford Foods of North Carolina. She attended Mt. Nebo Baptist Church and also attended her son’s church, Denny Grove AME Zion Church of Wilkesboro, N.C.

In addition to her husband, John Boyce of the home, she leaves to cherish the memory of her life her son, Michael (Delores) Gillespie; her daughter, Vanessa Gillespie; a brother, Charles Gillespie; three sisters, Brenda Caldwell, Kimberly Kimbrough amd Michelle Boller; her grandchildren, Sierra Gillespie, Michael (Nacole) Gillespie Jr., E’kiah Gillespie, and Kenyana Gillespie; great grandchildren; and a host other nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Celebration of Life Services will be conducted on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at 11 a.m., at The Belmont Cemetery. Reverend Michael Gillespie will officiate.

General public viewing will be held on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. and resume Wednesday, January 6, 2021, from 10 until 10:30 a.m. You can also view Mrs. Boyce’s remains virtually on-line at www.youtube.com. (Search Mrs. Margaret Delores Boyce.)

Visit the Book of Memories for Mrs. Margaret Delores Boyce at www.rutledgeandbigham.com. Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home is serving the Boyce Family.