Joyce Jones Perry

On Thursday, November 2, 2017, our mother, Nana, auntie, niece, cousin, soror, classmate, and friend, Joyce Paulette Jones Perry entered eternal rest. She began her life’s journey on March 8, 1947, in Norfolk, VA to the late John Harold and Josephine Camilla Jones. She was reared in the Douglass Park neighborhood of Portsmouth, VA. She accepted the Lord at an early age and became a member of Zion Baptist Church when she was nine. She was educated in the Portsmouth Public School System and graduated from I. C. Norcom High School in June 1965. Upon graduating from I. C. Norcom High School, Joyce enrolled at Virginia Union University. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1969. Joyce began her 34-year career as a teacher at Hardy and Carrollton Elementary Schools with Isle Wight County Public Schools. Joyce served as grade-level chair, and was named with distinction Isle Wight Elementary Schools Teacher of the Year in 2003. Joyce retired in 2004. After retirement, Joyce continued to share her passion of teaching and learning as well as her love of children by working at Sylvan Learning Center and was a tutor at various elementary schools in Portsmouth Public Schools. Joyce impacted the lives of thousands of children. She loved working with students and mentoring teachers. She had fond memories riding the TRT carpool with her “crew,” who met every morning at Mid-City and traveled to Isle of Wight. Joyce was an “active” lady. Those who knew Joyce knew she loved to look good, shop, and travel. Known as “Lady JP”, she was truly a diva. She took pride in her appearance and looking like her mother. She also loved concerts and events. She was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where she was initiated in the Gamma Delta Omega Chapter in 1988. Although she was a Virginia Union Panther and loved her friends, she was a die-hard fan of Norfolk State University (NSU). She traveled across the country cheering on the Spartans with her NSU buddies. She traveled religiously to the CIAA and MEAC tournaments. She also looked forward to attending the Hampton Roads and Capital Jazz Festivals. Joyce was loved and will be missed by so many. She was predeceased by her loving sister and best friend, Linda. She leaves to cherish her legacy the apple of her eye, her only child, Janeen Perry-Campbell; her favorite son-in-law, Derrick Campbell; the joys of her life, her granddaughters, Nia Perry (Upper Marlboro, MD), Zoe Sara Campbell; her granddog, Ivy CoCo; her stepson, David Perry (Carolyn); very special nieces, whom she loved like her daughters, Joy Jenkins-Parker and Adrien Fane; her favorite nephew, Tracey Parker; a great niece, Noelle Parker; great nephews, Elijah and Isaiah; her aunt, Earline B. Green; her favorite cousin from Arizona, Cynthia Robinson; sisters-in-law, Waldensia “Dent” Wise and Devonne Jeffers; God-grandbaby, Giovonni “Gigi” Walker and her mother Mary Snead, best friend for over 48 years, Jerrene Yeoman; her Smithfield Yeoman and Cuffey family, best friends from childhood, Joyce Cherry and Rosalyn Goolsby; best friends, Raven Wilkerson and Sharon Greene; a special niece, Renee Garrison; her “BFF”, Lenwood Marrow; “Mama” Louise Smith; nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of dear friends. Joyce LOVED her family and friends. Silently sleep, safe in the fold, Ever thou will reap blessings untold; Soon in that home, with thee we’ll dwell But until we come, MOMMY/NANA, farewell!

Joyce Jones Perry

March 8, 1947 - November 2, 2017