Kim Isabel Joyce

Kim Isabel Joyce, 72, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away August 2, 2026. Born June 4, 1954, in Pasadena, California, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Irene Joyce.

Kim graduated from UCLA with an undergraduate major in history and began her career as a bilingual elementary school teacher. She later became a director of continuing education for physicians in North Carolina while working at Wake AHEC in Raleigh and earned a master’s degree in adult education at NC State University. Finally, Kim assumed the role of Director of Experiential Education for the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, where she recruited and developed community preceptors and arranged clinical placements for pharmacy students. She was highly regarded in the field and contributed to numerous publications.

While professional colleagues remember her as smart, talented, hard-working, and engaging, family and friends admired her creativity, hospitality, and wide-ranging interests. She knitted heirloom sweaters, prepared gourmet meals and special holiday menus, and set beautiful tablescapes days in advance. Kim also loved traveling–most recently to Portugal, Scotland, and Quebec–as well as gardening, hosting friends and family, and enjoying a good gin and tonic on a hot summer day. An avid reader throughout her life, she volunteered at her local public library as a “reading buddy” in retirement. She was also active in her neighborhood, attending ladies’ luncheons and participating in the knitting club and book club. Kim’s warmth, wit, and many interests brought joy and friendship to those around her.

The pride of Kim's life was her family, and her "happy place" was Holden Beach where she joined daughters Ashley and Emily and their families for an annual beach week. The four grandchildren loved their "GoGo," who brought a curated selection of children’s books to read in bed each morning and a “secret” candy stash to share. Back in Charlotte, Kim created special memories for each grandchild with outings, overnights, volunteering at their school, attending swim meets, tennis practices, and gymnastics practices, and, of course, crafting. Even while facing health challenges, Kim prioritized the joys of her family, turning life into a constant celebration of her loved ones.

Kim is survived by her daughters, Ashley Smithson (husband Ryan) and Emily Holmes (husband Taylor); her four beloved grandchildren, Bryn Smithson, Claire Smithson, Henry Holmes, and Willa Holmes; her three older brothers, Peter Joyce, Eric Joyce, and Glen Joyce; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

A visitation will take place from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Hankins and Whittington Funeral Service, 1111 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203.

As Kim was a dedicated volunteer at her local public library, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in memory of Kim Joyce to Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation at 300 E. Seventh Street, Charlotte, NC 28202.

Website: https://foundation.cmlibrary.org/donate-nxt/

Online condolences may be made at www.HankinsandWhittington.com.