Joyce Etta Valentine

Joyce Etta Valentine was born on April 18, 1944 in Nashville, TN to the late James and Christine Anthony. She had two siblings, Robert and Eddie Bell Anthony. She received Christ at an early age and was a member of Green Chapel A.M.E. Church.

After losing their parents as young children, Joyce was raised by her loving grandparents, Willie and Matt Crenshaw. She received her education in the Trousdale County School District, and as a student at Ward High School, her many accomplishments included holding office as the senior class secretary, captain of the cheerleader squad, and being crowned the 1961-62 "Football Queen".

Joyce earned several scholarships to attend Tennessee State University, where she pursued a degree in Home Economics. She was passionate about her studies, but she chose to leave the University before completing her degree to care for her grandparents in their later years. Despite them encouraging her to stay in school, she felt strongly about returning the love and care they had always given her. This decision was a true testament to her unwavering devotion to family.

In 1965 she married the love of her life, John Valentine, and together they welcomed two daughters. A devoted wife and mother, she traveled the world with her family through John's career in the Air Force. Joyce had fun on their adventures and thrived in new cultures, building lasting friendships everywhere she went.

The family eventually settled down in Glendale, Arizona in 1981. John's Air Force career coming to an end marked new beginnings for Joyce. It was in this time that she was able to reconnect to the path she started on at Tennessee State, pursuing retail management in the home decor industry. She found joy in sharing her love of design and creativity with the customers she served. Her talents in sewing, decorating, cooking and hosting helped her create a beautiful life spent with those she loved. Their home was a place for a lifetime of memories with family and friends until she departed this life on April 30, 2025.

Joyce deeply cherished her relationships, and she never failed to demonstrate just how much she cared for those she loved. Her warmth was infectious, and her presence had the power to uplift those around her. The love shared between her and John was extraordinary, and her family legacy was her greatest source of pride and joy.

Her memory is survived by daughters; Sondra Fonville and Dawn Valentine, grandchildren; DeVanté Fonville and Brionne Molina (Brian), great-granddaughters; Iyla and Zélie Molina, sister-in-law; Dorothy Black, first cousins; James and Frank Beasley (who she thought of as brothers), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral

May 19, 2025, 11 AM

St. Johns Missionary Baptist Church

Hartsville, TN

Interment

May 20, 2025 at 11 AM

Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery

7931 McCrory Lane

Nashville, TN