Joyce Abercrombie Cox

Joyce Abercrombie Cox, 88, of Myrtle Beach, SC, passed away peacefully in her home on February 17, 2026. Born on July 31, 1937, in Fountain Inn, SC, she was the daughter of Archie Clifford Abercrombie and Anna Babb Abercrombie. She found her calling early in life, earning her RN BSN degree in 1959 from Spartanburg General Hospital School of Nursing. Skilled in clinical settings serving in both the private and public sectors, she is perhaps best remembered for her long tenure as a School Nurse for Horry County Schools. There, she provided a steady hand and a kind heart to thousands of students throughout her career. Her commitment to the health and well-being of local children left a lasting impact on the Myrtle Beach community.

Beyond her professional life, Joyce was a woman of simple and soulful joys. Loving, gentle, and kind, she had an easy-going spirit and a funny sense of humor. Her zest for life took her around the globe with her best friends—from the banks of Lake Norman and the Hawaiian shores to the tracks of the Eurorail across Europe. At home on her weekends off, she could be found at Myrtle Square Mall or combing the beach for hours to find scallop shells and shark teeth. In her quieter years as an avid bird enthusiast, she spent countless hours enjoying the view from her front window, watching the visitors to her feeders. She was a dedicated crossword lover and had a natural gift for singing and storytelling. Whether she was sharing a memory or lifting her voice in song, Joyce had a way of making those around her feel loved.

Her greatest pride and joy was her family. She is survived by her four children: Melanie Doss (Dave) of Myrtle Beach; Stephanie Faidley (John) of Charlotte, NC; Shannon Nakano (Kim) of Myrtle Beach; and Reid Cox (Kasey) of Murrells Inlet. She also leaves behind her three cherished grandchildren: Madison Doss, Elijah Cox, and Anna Cox, and her sister, Ruth Hadden.

The family will receive friends Saturday, February 21, 2026, at McMillan-Small Funeral Home from 1:00 PM until 1:45 PM.

A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 2:00 PM in the chapel of McMillan-Small Funeral Home with Reverend Jane Pearce officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Myrtle Beach Humane Society

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