Joyce Marie (Davis) Laughridge, of Cambridge Village, Apex, North Carolina, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, Jan. 11, 2019, after a brief illness, at the very young age of 90. 

Her youngest son and his wife and two of her grandchildren were by her side.  

The former Joyce Marie Davis of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, was reunited with her husband of 63 years, World War II fighter pilot W. J. Laughridge Jr., who preceded her in death on Dec 2, 2009, as we are certain he was waiting to greet her and finally have her join him soaring the heavenly skies in his beloved P-51 Mustang. 

Mrs. Laughridge was born on April 28, 1928, in Rocky Mount and worked at the Rocky Mount Mill, which is where she met her future husband, Mr. Laughridge.  During their marriage, they also lived in Gastonia, North Carolina, and Gainesville, Georgia, before returning to Holly Springs, North Carolina, in 2004.  

A devoted wife and homemaker, she took great pride and pleasure in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and is one of the few people of whom it can truly be said never met a stranger. She lived life with a smile on her lips, a laugh in her heart and great love for everyone she knew and above all, she loved to dance!  In fact, just two short weeks earlier, she danced the evening away at a New Year’s Eve party! 

Mrs. Laughridge is survived by a brother, Frank Burns of Vale, North Carolina; a sister, Miriam Vaught of Valdese, North Carolina; three devoted children, W.J. (Digit) Laughridge III and his wife Beth of Campobello, South Carolina, Jim Laughridge and his wife Vickie of Fuquay Varina, North Carolina, and Terri Thompson and her husband Larry of Boynton Beach, Florida. She also leaves behind seven very loved grandchildren, Christopher Laughridge, Meredith Laughridge Cross and husband John, Matt Laughridge and wife Allison, Kalyn Laughridge Harrison and husband Glenn, Torin Laughridge, Tanner Laughridge and wife Mackenzie, and Chelsea Thompson; as well as four great-grandchildren, Evangeline, Isabelle, Palmer and Catherine, with one more on the way; and countless friends.

A memorial service celebrating and honoring her life will be held at noon Wednesday, Jan. 16, at Capital Funeral Home, 2205 E. Millbrook Road, Raleigh, North Carolina, with reception and fellowship following. 

Donations may be made in her honor to The Charles Lea Foundation (charleslea.org) or the American Lung Association (lung.org).