Elizabeth McIntyre Rudisill

October 12, 2017

Charlotte - Elizabeth Joyce McIntyre Rudisill, 97, died the same date she was born, October 12, 2017, at The Pines of Davidson, her home of the past four years. Born in 1920 in Mt Gilead, NC, as a child she moved to Raleigh, then Charlotte, where she lived for the rest of her life. Joyce married Jacob “Jake” A. Rudisill and worked during World War II in the Signal Corps in Red Bank, NJ. After returning to Raleigh so Jake could complete his education, they moved back to Charlotte where she raised her family, worked with her husband in his electrical manufacturer’s representative business, and assisted her father in his multiple business and political endeavors. She was an executive with Jake Rudisill Associates into her 90s, as well as a corporate secretary for Mid-State Tile Company of Lexington, NC, her father’s business. Joyce ran her own electrical stocking distributorship, Joyce Sales Company, in Charlotte. She was active in educational and social endeavors, and served as President of the Meredith College Alumnae Association and the first female president of the church council of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. Joyce helped lead her extended family, and her husband’s, in organizing family reunions, and she excelled in recognizing the birthdays, anniversaries, and significant events of their lives. After Jake’s death in 1990, Joyce continued to work for over two decades, but also took her children and grandchildren on trips across the state and the world, enriching their lives in ways they will always treasure. She cared for and comforted family members and long-term friends in their last years, often handling all their affairs until the end. Her generosity, care, and compassion towards her family, friends, and acquaintances were genuine, evidenced by her actions, and an inspiration to those who knew and loved her.

Surviving are daughter Joyce “Macki” Donahoe (John) of Flowery Branch, GA, and their children Sharon D. Smith and Paul Donahoe; son William Rudisill (Sheila) and their children McAndrew, Caroline, and Neil Rudisill; son Jake Rudisill (Ruta) of Pleasanton, CA, and their children David and Karen Rudisill; son John F. Rudisill (Bufi) and their daughter Elizabeth Rudisill; and six great-grandchildren.

There will be a memorial service at 2:00 PM on Saturday, October 21, 2017 in the sanctuary of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 3200 Park Rd. A private family internment will be held at Forest Lawn West Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Meredith College, St Luke’s Lutheran Church of Charlotte, First United Methodist Church of Charlotte, or a favorite charity.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave, Charlotte. Condolences may be submitted online at http://kennethpoeservices.com/.

Share your memories & condolences

Comments

  • Lisa Andradez

    My friend
    Generous Kind Loving Friend
    I will miss you

    Short URL:
  • Alyce Walker

    Oh I will miss you so much, my lovely friend. I was so fortunate to connect with you thru our beloved Meredith College and to spend the past 12 years in your shadow. You were not only a lovely lady, you were classy and caring, with intelligence and deep religious roots. Your generosity, your gracious demeanor, your shining love was felt by each of us who were fortunate enough to know you. I am grateful for the time spent with you. Yes, I will miss you so very much, but you have definitely left an indelible mark on me and on this world. I will always love you and never forget you.

    Short URL:
  • Martha Reed-Baysden

    I was blessed to have a long friendship with Joyce when I lived in Charlotte. She was always kind and generous and was like a second mother to me. We enjoyed many afternoons and dinners talking about all the achievements of her children and grandchildren and memories of Jake, her parents, Meredith College and the lake house. She was so proud of her family and loved each one of you enormously. She was such a role model for me, both in business and in my personal life. I always wanted Joyce to visit me in the lowcountry but we were not able to bridge the distance over the past three years. She has left a wonderful testament to how to live life well for her family and her friends. I know Heaven rejoiced with her homecoming.

    Short URL:
  • Dave and Jinny Mitchell

    John, Bufi, Elizabeth and Family,
    Joyce was an inspiration to all who knew her. She leaves a legacy of graciousness, warmth and wisdom to family and friends. The community at large will miss her presence, and is forever better for having known her. Sending our love and prayers,
    Dave and Jinny

    Short URL:
  • Anne Marie McDonald

    Mrs Rudisill was a kind and generous person who will be greatly missed. She always had a good word to say! Talking to her would cheer you up and she had a special way of bringing out the best in you.
    I will miss her beautiful smile and fantastic memory! I admired her willingness to try something new and her ability to remain independent. I admired her in general and was happy I could call her my friend. She was an example of grace and love in this world.
    I extend my deepest sympathy to all who loved her. Our memory of her will live on.

    Short URL: