Joyce Dean Simpson Thomas, 79, of Indian Trail, North Carolina  passed away Friday, August 6, 2021. Joyce was born on April 17, 1942 in Union County, a daughter of the late Neal McDonald and Loyce Catherine Rowell Simpson. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Thomas. Joyce attended Fairview High School, where she graduated in 1960. She spent her career working for UCPS as a bus driver. Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Janet Knight (David), and Mike Heflin (Vickie);  grandchildren, Amanda Thompson (Allen), Jeremy Knight (Stephanie), Brittany Crowe, Amber Brittain, Justin Heflin, Zachary Heflin, and Kelsie Cook; great- grand children, Anna Helms, Haley Eggert, Jeremy Lane Knight Jr., Daemyn Thompson, Andrew Kemp (Alisa), Brandon Kemp, Hunter Kemp, siblings, Kathy Helms, Joe Neal Simpson and Judy Anderson; along with many nieces and nephews.