Marilyn Faye Joyner Willard, of Yorktown, died unexpectedly Nov. 4, 2015, at her home. She was 71.
Marilyn was born June 9, 1944, in Newport News, the daughter of the late Emma Louise Welton Joyner and James Joyner Jr. She graduated from Hampton High School and received her bachelor’s degree from St. Leo University.
In 2008, she retired after 34 years with York County Social Services. She volunteered with York County Little League, Peninsula READS Literacy Council and York County Election Polls.
Marilyn and her husband, Don Willard, celebrated their 50th anniversary on Aug. 31, 2012. The couple enjoyed spending time with their children and grandchildren. They were enthusiastic spectators at all of their grandkids’ sports events, whether ball games, band or horseback riding, but were equally interested in each child’s pursuits.
Marilyn and Don were avid travelers, going on cruises to many foreign lands over the years, and they also enjoyed spending part of each year at their second home in The Villages, Florida. Marilyn was the heart of her family, a loving, devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Phillip Donald “Don” Willard; her children, Pamela Ann Willard Troutman (Scott), Kimberly Renee Willard de Castro (Robert) and Donald Scott Willard (Michelle); her grandchildren, Scott Anthony Troutman Jr., Bailey Nichole Troutman, Matthew Tyler Willard and Nicholas Alexander Willard; her brother, Trent Joyner (Cianne); her stepmother, Josephine Joyner Vaughn; and nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and her much loved dog Trina.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Rachel Joyner Cole.
The family will receive visitors from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, 2015, at Amory Funeral Home in Yorktown. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 9, 2015, at Seaford Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Peninsula Memorial Park. A reception will follow at the Willard’s residence.
Memorial donations may be made to Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, 601 Children’s Lane, Norfolk, VA 23507 or to the Autism Center For Excellence, Virginia Commonwealth University Office of Development, Scott House, 909 W. Franklin St., Richmond, VA 23284.
Please leave online condolences for the family in the comment section below. Arrangements by Amory Funeral Home.
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