Joyce Elizabeth Gaskin

Joyce Elizabeth Blackmon Gaskin, age 89, passed away peacefully at home on May 6, 2025. Born on October 1, 1935, in Hallsboro, North Carolina, she was the daughter of Henry Ernest Blackmon and Josephine Clewis Blackmon.

Joyce is survived by her brother, Thurman Blackman (Marie); her two children, daughter Sharon Denise Gaskin (Dr. George Duvall III) and son Thad Eric Gaskin; three grandchildren, Christopher Mays (Kimberly), Emily Le Falchier (Patrick), and Erica Snowden (Reed); and four great-grandchildren, Palmer and Nola Mays, Caden Le Falchier, and Ember Snowden. She was survived by numerous nieces and nephews from her nine siblings.

She was predeceased by her husband, Thad Webster Gaskin; her parents, Henry and Josephine Blackmon; and her siblings: brothers Earlie, Albert, Rozier, Graham, and John Blackmon; and sisters Willa Stevens, Mary Mauss, and Margaret Stevens.

Joyce grew up on a farm in Whiteville, North Carolina, as the youngest of ten children. She faced the early loss of her father at the age of eight, which shaped her resilient spirit.

After graduating from Nakina High School, Joyce met the love of her life, Thad Webster Gaskin, while working at a soda fountain in a local drugstore. They were married on June 12, 1955, at Shiloh Methodist Church in Whiteville, NC, and spent 57 joyful years together. Their family moved frequently due to Thad’s job, including several years in Mexico, where Joyce cultivated an appreciation for diverse cultures and communities.

A devoted family member, Joyce found great joy in cooking and hosting meals for her loved ones. Her warmth and infectious smile lit up every holiday gathering, drawing her family together around the matriarch they cherished.

Known for her shyness and selflessness, Joyce adored her fellow church members at First Methodist Church of Vero Beach, FL, often enjoying breakfast outings with them. She consistently prioritized her family’s needs above her own, giving wholeheartedly to everyone she loved.

Joyce’s life and love will be remembered by those she touched, and her legacy of kindness and devotion will continue to inspire all who knew her, also into the lives of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Joyce never asked for anything, but gave everything.

Joyce’s family would like to give their deepest thanks to her many caregivers over the past few years and also to her personal physician, Dr George Duvall.

A memorial service will be held at First Methodist Church, located at 1750 20th St, Vero Beach, FL, on July 19, 2025, at 11:00 AM, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Methodist Church of Vero Beach, FL.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.