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Joyce Ann Pittman D’Ottavio, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2024, at the age of 80. 

Joyce was born on August 20th in Roanoke Rapids to the late Cornelius and Maggie Conner Pittman. 

She lived a life marked by compassion, dedication, and unwavering love for those around her.

Joyce graduated from Gaston High School in 1961. 

As a teenager, she worked at the Gaston Skating Rink where she met her husband of 61 years, Alfred (Dee) D’Ottavio. She later worked at Leggett’s Department Store in Roanoke Rapids and for Miles Gregory, Pediatrician for the 26 years prior to her retirement. 

Joyce was active in numerous clubs and organizations including the ECU Health North Hospital Development Council, Weldon Book Club, Halifax County Historical Society, The Old North State Tea Society, as well as several bridge and ladies clubs.

She held a long term position on Roanoke Rapids Planning Board and was very proud of the Board's accomplishments while she served. 

In 1962, Joyce married her lifelong companion, Alfred “Dee” D’Ottavio, who survives her. Together, they shared a partnership filled with mutual respect and deep affection. 

Joyce was a devoted mother to their son, Alfred D’Ottavio II, who remembers her as a guiding light and a source of endless support and wisdom. Joyce was the proudest of her two grandchildren, Alfred D’Ottavio III and Olivia D’Ottavio. 

Joyce’s life revolved around her friends, family and organizations, but especially around her grandchildren. Alfred and Olivia never had an activity that she did not attend. Alfred played baseball from age 5 until he was a senior in high school.
Joyce was at every home and away game that her grandson ever played. She once said that she would rather watch her grandson play a baseball game than to have tickets to see the World Series.

In addition to her husband and son and grandchildren, Joyce is survived by her sisters, Eliose Hardee (Melvin), Marilyn Boulden (Earl), Janice Jones (Wayne) and Kathy Little and many nieces and nephews. Her family, as well as many close friends will remember her for her generosity and integrity. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Roger Pittman and Samuel Donnie Pittman.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on August 1, 2024, in the chapel of Askew Funeral and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids, NC with Paul Rigsby officiating. 

Interment will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids. 

The family will receive friends from 6:00-7:30 PM on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at the funeral home.