WILLIAMSBURG — The Lord pulled back the curtains of heaven and sent down His angels to bring Joy Beam Mason, 92, to her eternal home Monday, Nov. 30, 2020. After an 11-year struggle with Parkinson’s disease, Joy passed peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family and caregivers.
Joy was born in 1928, in Atlanta, Georgia, the only child of Herman Monroe and Charlotte E. Beam. Her life of service began in 1949 when she graduated from Norfolk General School of Nursing and married E. Eugene Mason.
She was the charge nurse of the Brown building at Eastern State Hospital from 1949 to 1955, at which time she became a stay-at-home mom. In 1967, she became the first full-time school nurse at Norge Elementary School and retired in 1974.
Joy’s name fully described the feeling that she inspired to all who knew her. With a heart for service, she volunteered for the Red Cross blood mobile and the Cub Scouts of America. Joy was an active member of Williamsburg United Methodist Church for 67 years, serving in many capacities, including the first editor of the Messenger News Letter, president of the United Methodist Women and member of the Aldersgate Sunday School Class for 50 years. As a member of PEO, she supported education for women and served as the local chapter president for two years.
Joy will be fondly remembered as a loving wife of 71 years to E. Eugene Mason; an amazing mother to four sons, Michael F. (Brenda), Chris C. (Donna), Patrick W. (Cary) and Timothy G.; 10 grandchildren, Kathryn, Courtney, Jennifer, Andrea, Steven, Taylor, Heather, Rachel, Austin and Hannah; and 10 great-grandchildren, Cole, Kennedy, Noah, Benjamin, Harper, Maelyn, Van, Kaleigh, Charlotte and Stella. She will be greatly missed by a host of friends and family.
Viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 2, at Nelsen Funeral Home, Williamsburg. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 3, at Williamsburg Memorial Park. Graveside services will be livestreamed on Williamsburg Memorial Park’s Facebook page. The link above may be used even if you don’t have a Facebook account.
The family has suggested, in lieu of flowers, to please donate to the Aldersgate Class care of the Williamsburg United Methodist Church.
Share online condolences with the family at Nelsen Funeral Home.
