Joyce McKissick Rowe

She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Maurice B. Rowe III, her parents Andrew and Rebecca McKissick and all nine of her brothers and sisters: Mary, Andrew, Lee, George, Ruby, Charles, Aubrey, Harry, and Bill.

She is survived by her son, Maurice B. Rowe IV; her daughter, Caroline Rowe Sweeney (Kevin); her grandsons, Coleman Sweeney (Kate), Christopher Sweeney (Ashley), and Jarrett Sweeney; and her great-grandchildren, Witt Sweeney, Hill Sweeney, and Ann Tyler Sweeney.

Joyce was born and raised in Blackstone, Virginia, the ninth of ten children. She graduated from Blackstone High School in 1946 and continued her education at Flora MacDonald College. After college, she moved to Richmond and began working for the United States Department of Agriculture, where she met Maurice, who was working for the Virginia Department of Agriculture. They were married on November 1, 1952.

A lifelong Presbyterian, Joyce was a devoted member of Forest Hill Presbyterian Church for over 70 years. She held many leadership roles in the church and especially enjoyed her involvement with the Women of the Church group.

Joyce—Mom, Mamaw—was a supportive and loving wife, a caring mother, and a devoted grandmother. Her life was filled with love and dedication to her family, her church, and her friends. We will miss her greatly, but we celebrate her transition into the next chapter that awaits her.

The family would like to thank the Cottages at Salisbury community for the compassionate care given to our mother. The staff consistently went above and beyond to provide dignity and love during her long and difficult journey.

We also want to express our deep gratitude to Suncrest Hospice for their support of both our mother and our family during this time. They were truly angels, guiding and helping us care for Mom.

A graveside service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at Westhampton Memorial Park, 10000 Patterson Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23238.

Following the service, at 1:00 pm there will be a celebration of life luncheon at Salisbury Country Club, 13620 W. Salisbury Road, Midlothian, Virginia 23113.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Alzheimer's Association.