Joyce Mae Paden

Joyce Mae Paden of Norfolk, Virginia went to her Heavenly Home on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at the golden age of 95. She was born November 03, 1930, in Le Tart, West Virginia, to Orville and Esther Martin. Joyce will be remembered as a devoted, loving presence to all who knew her.

Joyce graduated from Huntington High School and shortly after went to business school. Joyce and Robert W. Paden united in marriage on September 13, 1951, and from that union they had five children. Robert joined the US Navy and moved his loving wife to Norfolk, Virginia.

Shortly after relocating to Norfolk, Joyce started a career with US Gypsum as a secretary, where she quickly became the most sought after secretary that all of the managers wanted as their own. When Joyce and Robert decided to start their family, she decided to become a Home Childcare Sitter so she could devote more time to her children and also help other families as well. Joyce babysat for over 35 years and was loved and adored by the children and their parents. They were all sad when she announced she could no longer babysit.

Joyce attended Bayview Baptist Church for eight years until she transferred her membership to First View Baptist Church, where she started teaching Sunday School for the 4 to 5 year old class.

Joyce and Robert later relocated back to West Virginia to care for her Mother-in-law until she passed away, after which they decided to continue to reside in West Virginia. When Robert passed away in 2012, Joyce decided to remain in West Virginia awhile longer. In 2019 she returned to her home in Norfolk, Virginia where she lived and enjoyed her remaining years.

Joyce is survived by her children, Robert L. Paden of Wayne, WV, Christi Paden-Basnight of Edenton, NC, Karen Paden-Lee of Chesapeake, VA, Barry A. Paden of Norfolk, VA, and Shelia Paden- Wade- Sanders of Virginia Beach, VA; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends.

A Graveside Funeral Service will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens , 6309 E. Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23502, on April 2, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.