Joan Gregory Walston

Mrs. Joan Gregory Walston, age 85, of Farmville, NC passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 10, 2026, with her children by her side at The Service League of Greenville Inpatient Hospice.

Born on Mother’s Day, May 12,1940 to Joseph Alexander Gregory and Lala Godwin Gregory, Joan was a lifelong resident of Farmville. She graduated from Farmville High School and entered the workforce as a bookkeeper at the Bank of Farmville and later at First Union Bank. After raising her two children, Joan started a new chapter as a media assistant in the library at Farmville Middle School. Joan fondly recalled many happy memories from her time spent working with teachers and students at FMS. She always said, “We were like a family.” Joan cherished the friends she made at FMS and stayed in touch with them throughout her life. She retired from Pitt County Schools in 2001.

On October 12,1963 Joan married the love of her life, Donald Nelson Walston, at the First Baptist Church in Farmville where she was a lifelong member. She and Donnie enjoyed 58 years of marriage until his death in 2019.

Joan treasured many family camping trips to Atlantic Beach, Salter Path, Emerald Isle, and Green Acres Campground. Later in life, she and Donnie enjoyed spending time at their trailer in Emerald Isle, NC.

In her senior years, Joan spent time reading, playing games and viewing church services on her iPad, watching and listening to the birds, rocking on her front porch, and walking in her beloved yard admiring her flowers.

Above all, Joan was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, “Grandmama” and “Mama JoJo”. She always loved and enjoyed visits and calls from her children, grandchildren, family, friends, and neighbors. Joan will be remembered as a kind and gentle soul, known to all as “a sweet, sweet lady.” She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, neighbors, and the Farmville community.

Joan is preceded in death by her husband, Donald, as well as her parents, her sister, Lataine Gregory Webber, her brothers, Joseph Franklin Gregory and Billy Godwin Gregory. She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Walston Pugh and husband, Sam Pugh of Randleman; her son, Greg Walston and wife, Sara of Mint Hill; grandchildren, Ben Pugh and wife, Alexis, Matt Pugh, and Joey Walston; and great-granddaughter, Claire Pugh; as well as nieces, nephews and extended family members. Joan is also survived by her beloved cat, Tony, and grand dogs, Bailey, Hopper and Luka.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, February 6 at the Farmville First Baptist Church at 2:00 PM by Rev. Graham Byrum. Visitation with the family will be immediately following the service in the sanctuary.  Interment will be held at Hollywood Cemetery following the visitation. 

The family wishes to express a special thank you to all the nurses, aides and staff at The Service League of Greenville Inpatient Hospice for the compassionate and loving care provided to Joan and her family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials may be made to the Farmville First Baptist Church at PO Box 34, Farmville, NC 27828 or to a pet rescue charity of one’s choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.farmvillefh.com.

Arrangements are by Farmville Funeral Home.

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