Joyce Mayberry Stowers

Heaven has called one of his angels home. Our dear sister, aunt, and friend, Joyce Mayberry Stowers, passed suddenly Saturday, January 16, 2021 at Lynchburg General Hospital. She is now in the loving arms of her Mother and Father, Lynn Thomas Mayberry and Thelma Tomlin Mayberry. Left behind in a world that will forever be changed without her are two brothers; Mike Mayberry of Madison Heights and Les Mayberry of Lynchburg; a sister and special brother-in-law, Joan and Joseph Whaley of Lynchburg; six nieces and nephews; Drew, Patrick and Parker Whaley and Matthew, Stephanie, and Kelly Mayberry; and special friends; Tonya Wilson of Bedford and Theresa Whorley of Evington.

After graduating from Amherst County High School in 1971 and Lynchburg General Hospital School of Nursing in 1974; besides a short career managing The Ground Round Restaurant in Lynchburg, Joyce spent a lifetime caring for others. Her nursing career spanned 45 years. At the time of her passing, she was caring for our veterans at The Veterans' Administration Out-patient Clinic in Lynchburg. She touched the lives of patients and coworkers everywhere she worked; at Salem Veterans' Administration Hospital ICU, Lynchburg General Hospital Emergency Room, Central Virginia Training Center, Buckingham Correctional Center, Public Health Departments in Richmond and Charlottesville, and Medical Personnel Pool in Lynchburg.

Joyce was so kind to everyone putting herself last always. She was the glue that held the Mayberry family together. She was the best aunt ever, treating her nieces and nephews as if they were her own children. She knew unconditional love. She was a compassionate nurse who always advocated for her patients; often getting in trouble with the doctor or her supervisor. She was an animal lover like no other. Rescue dogs and cats were her children. And lastly, she was kind to strangers. The following wonderful rendition written on her Facebook page by a coworker sums up what Joyce was all about:

"Oh, girl, You could blow into a room all sparkly and just a crazy energy! You gave such loving care to your patients and always had time to help another coworker. Could never say to you, "Oh Joyce, I love that necklace", next thing you know, you're taking it off and putting it around my neck. You came in with those big bag of McDonald's cheeseburgers and we'd pig out all night! We use to fix up our super- duper bath concoction that was our trade secret; cleanest, best smelling patients in ICU! You were a whirling dervish of love and selflessness. Rest easy now, your work here is done and your tattoo is on many hearts."

There will be an open visitation to pay your respects from 9-5 on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at Whitten Monelison Chapel.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 pm on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at Whitten Monelison Chapel.

Flowers are welcome as well as donations to the SPCA of your choice.

Whitten Monelison Chapel is assisting the Stowers family (929-5712). To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.whittenmonelison.com.