Joyce Elaine Nafziger McCarty, age 79, of Hickory, North Carolina, passed away at her home on Thursday, October 29, 2026.

Born on December 13, 1946, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Joyce Elaine Nafziger McCarty was the daughter of Ira and Sara Clymer Nafziger. She graduated from Lancaster Mennonite High School and remained devoted throughout her life to church ministry, especially through intercessory prayer for missionaries, friends, and family. She was a devoted follower of Jesus and an active participant in Aglow International for many years. Her siblings remembered her with affection for her love of singing and her praise and worship.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Verlin Lee Eshleman; and her siblings, Leon Nafziger, Maybell Nafziger, and Yvonne Miller. Her sister, Twila Ryan, passed away on October 31, 2026.

She is survived by her husband, Theron McCarty; their children, Jacqueline Torrey, Cynthia Stauffer, Debbie Maguar, Fred (Eshleman) McCarty, Daryl (Eshleman) McCarty, and Sean (Eshleman) McCarty; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and her siblings, Calvin Nafziger, Les Nafziger, Lucy Ositko, Carol Good, Bonita Osley, Bob Nafziger, Sara Nafziger-Shelly, Shirl Nafziger-Lyne, Cindy Detweiler, and June Nafziger-Eberly. She also leaves behind nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In keeping with her husband’s wishes, there will be no services.

Joyce Elaine Nafziger McCarty will be remembered for her steadfast faith, her ministry of prayer, and her love of praise and worship.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.caringcremations.net. the McCarty family has entrusted arrangements to Caring Cremations Life Celebrations and Funerals at 828-855-3350.