Joyce S. Russell

Joyce is survived by her husband of 47 years, Thomas, her children Bethany and Jonathan, her daughter-in law Kara, her sister Sherlene Girardin as well as her nieces Katherine Pawlak, Christine Girardin and countless friends and loved ones.

Joyce will be remembered for her kind and giving spirit. She spent many years as a legal secretary and happily taking on new adventures as a Navy wife. Joyce found her truest calling when becoming a mom; she loved her children and family and made every effort to share that love daily. She went to college with those two children running around her feet and earned her degree from St. Leo, VA Beach, VA. After Tom’s retirement from Delta, they spent ten years sailing through the Bahamas and Maine. They later took cruises through Alaska and Europe, both of which were on her bucket list. Joyce spent many hours volunteering at assisted living facilities. She then adopted and trained two bichons to be therapy dogs and go with her to visit anyone who needed a smile.

Joyce loved her life; she often spoke of how blessed she was and how every day presented an opportunity to be happy. She chose happiness in her life and wanted that for everyone around her. Joyce had a unique ability to share love and surround those in her life with support and kindness. She will live in the hearts of those who loved her and never be forgotten.