Joyce Coward Welch

Joyce Coward Welch, 85, died peacefully at her home on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Joyce was born on February 5, 1941, in Florence County, daughter of the late Montague Coward and Eulea Miles Coward. She was a graduate of J. C. Lynch High School and Carolina College of Commerce. Joyce retired from Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and Darlington County Courthouse. She was a faithful member of West Florence Baptist Church.

Joyce is survived by her brother, Allen “Punk” Coward and his wife, Bonnie; brother-in-law, Maxey Myers; stepdaughters, Debbie, Beth, and Angela; several step grandchildren and step great grandchildren; a number of nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Scott Barfield for always being there to do whatever Joyce needed.

Joyce was preceded in death by her sisters, Julia Gause and Barbara Kirby Myers; brothers-in-law, Keith Gause and Ronald Kirby. She was also preceded by her aunt and uncle Getty and Wilma Anderson that were like parents to her.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Agape Hospice for their compassionate care and support during this difficult time. We would also like to thank Becky Gause and Rita Ritchie for the love, companionship, and extraordinary care they gave so selflessly.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Stoudemire-Dowling Funeral Home in Florence, SC.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Private burial will be held at Florence Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, PO Box 26, Coward, SC 29530, or West Florence Baptist Church, 3354 Hoffmeyer Road, Florence, SC 29501

Please sign the guestbook for the family at www.stoudenmiredowling.com