Joy J. Gurkin
April 27, 1943 – Feb. 4, 2016

Mrs. Joy Jean Jefferson Gurkin, age 72, a resident of 1267 Deer Track Drive, Washington, died Thursday, February 4, 2016 at her home.

Memorial services will be 2:00 pm Saturday, February 13, 2016 at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington and will be conducted by Rev. Eddie Coltrain. Burial will follow in the Gurkin Family Cemetery in Pinetown.

The family will receive friends 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Friday, February 12, 2016 at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington and other times at the home of her daughter, Lisa Gurkin-Lines, 210 Neal Branch Road, Grimesland, N.C. 27837.

Mrs. Gurkin was born in Beaufort County on April 27, 1943 to the late Thomas and Melva Clark Jefferson. She married Bruce Mitchell Gurkin who preceded her in death in 1980 and later married James Douglas Dickerson who survives. She was employed as a nursing assistant, was a family caregiver, loved the water, traveling and dearly loved her grandson.

Survivors include: her daughter, Lisa Gurkin-Lines and husband Wesley of Grimesland; adopted son, James William Turner I; grandson, James William Turner II; great-grandson, James William Turner III; two brothers, Larry Jefferson of Morehead City, Brad Jefferson of Newport; three sisters, Lillie Tyer of Washington, Nancy Stancill of Greenville and Brenda Harrison of Morehead City; and a son-in-law, Jeffery Lee Taylor of Chocowinity. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Melva Jo Gurkin-Taylor; two brothers, Albert Jefferson, David Jefferson; and one sister, Helen Ward.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Joy J. Gurkin Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 1465, Washington, NC 27889.

You may view her video tribute and address condolences to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Gurkin family.