Video ..................................................................................Lord Do It For Me
Prayer of Comfort...................................................................Pastor of Comfort
Solo................................................................................................Moses Higgs
Acknowledgements...............................................................Rev. Florinda Guy
Silent Reading of Obituary
Reflections...............................................................................2 Minutes Please
Solo...............................................................................................Floyd Cleary
Eulogy.......................................................................Bishop Nathaniel Johnson
Hymn...........................................................................GBC Celebration Choir
Funeral Director’s Brief
Greenlawn Memorial Park
Betty Joyce Best Clyburn was born on December 14, 1953, in Wilson, North Carolina, to Essie Mae Artis and John Best, Sr. On August 2, 2024, she was called to her eternal rest, surrounded by the love of her family and friends.
Betty, affectionately known as “Joyce,” was a woman of immense kindness, generosity, and warmth. She was a beacon of light to all who knew her, offering friendship and love to those around her. Joyce was born and raised in Wilson, where she attended grade school and high school. After completing her education, she moved to Virginia, where she met and fell in love with her beloved husband, Leroy Clyburn, Sr.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy Clyburn, Sr.; her mother, Essie Mae Artis; her stepfather, Roosevelt Artis; her father, John Best, Sr.; her sister, Veronica Best Cooley; her brother, Winslow Lucas; her son, Leroy Clyburn, Jr.; her granddaughter, Shacoley Best; and her grandson, Racquez Carter. Each of these losses was deeply felt, but Joyce remained a pillar of strength for her family, always holding them together with her love and faith.
Joyce dedicated her life to raising her children and instilling in them the values of love, respect, and hard work. Her children were her pride and joy, and she made it her mission to teach them the important lessons of life. As a grandmother, Joyce continued to pass on her wisdom and love to her grandchildren, ensuring that her legacy would live on through them.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving children: Arthella Best Leary (Kevin), Sineeta Flamer, Royaleene Best (Duke), and Shameeca Clyburn. She also leaves her devoted sisters, Evangelist Myra Ruffin and Willie Mae Myles; her brothers, James “Duke” Newsome and John Ruffin (Tyson); her sister-cousin, Loretta Hilliard; and her special friend, Walter “Boss Man” Johnson. Joyce’s love and influence extend to her twenty-three grandchildren, thirty-one great-grandchildren—with two more on the way—and two children she cherished as her own, Anthony Floyd and Lakeisha Hunter. In addition, she leaves behind aunts, uncles, and a host of other relatives and friends who will miss her dearly.
Perhaps you sent a lovely card, or sat quietly in a chair. Perhaps you sent those beautiful flowers, that we saw sitting there. Perhaps you spoke the kindest words, as any friend could say. Perhaps you were not there at all, just thought of us that day. Whatever you did to console our hearts, we thank you so much for whatever part. May God continute to bless each of you.
-The Family Family Members Family Members