Joyce Marie Surowitz

Joyce Marie Surowitz passed away on Friday, January 16, 2026. She was born on August 27, 1938 the daughter of the late Buford Ellison and Edna Ellison in Jefferson City, Tennessee. Being married to her husband, Edward J. Surowitz, afforded her the ability to spend many years traveling the United States before settling in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

She worked at Zayre Department Store in the receiving department. From there she worked at Norfolk Florist for several years. Finally using her compassion for young children, she went to work at Lynnhaven Elementary School, where she retired. She was known for her quick wit and humor which earned her the nickname “Goldie”.

Joyce is preceded in death by her mother and father; five brothers; and her granddaughter, Joy Harris, whom she adored from the minute she was born.

Survivors include her four children, Tracy Cox and wife Donna, Teresa Lynch and husband Willie, Michael Cox, Barry Cox and wife Jackie; six grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; her sister, Peggy Soard; as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends and family from 4 to 6 pm on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at Smith & Williams Funeral Home, Kempsville Chapel, 4889 Princess Anne Rd in Virginia Beach, VA 23462. Final resting place will be in Oak Ridge, Tennessee at a later date.