Joyce (Chappell) Abbott

Joyce Chappell Abbott, age 85, passed away Thursday, September 19, 2024. A graveside service for Mrs. Abbott will take place on Sunday, September 22nd in Grove Hill Cemetery at 1:30pm with visitation following, directed by Belk Funeral Home.

Mrs. Joyce was born in York County on October 21, 1938, to the late John Henry Chappell and Eva Mae Porter Chappell. After graduating from Winthrop in 1960, Mrs. Joyce began sharing her love of music and the piano as a music teacher. Throughout those years, she adored the children that she taught; she was always the biggest cheerleader and supporter for anyone. Mrs. Abbott retired from teaching in 1996 but not from sharing her love of music, faith, and family. As a founding member of the Alpha Phi Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, Mrs. Joyce continued to support education and her local community. She loved everyone, family or strangers, dearly and always enjoyed spending time with them. Mrs. Joyce was also a member of Black Creek Baptist Church.

Surviving Mrs. Joyce is her daughter, Suzan (Harry) Pigford, grandchildren, William Preston James, Jr., John Abbott "Jake" James (Maddy Pforr), Marshall Douglas Pigford, and Geoffrey Walter Pigford. She is also survived by her brothers, Curwood P. Chappell and Melton C. Chappell, her sister-in-law, Janie Chappell, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband George W. Abbott, and her son George Walter "Walt" Abbott, III, her siblings, John Henry, "Jack" Jr., Phillip E. Chappell, William P. Chappell, Rudolph C. Chappell, Warren J. Chappell, and Marvin S. Chappell.

In honor of Mrs. Abbott, memorials may be made to One Child at a Time on their website www.onechildrescue.com or 2011 B 2nd Loop Road Florence, SC 29501.