Joyce Harrell of Newport News passed away peacefully at the Gardens of Warwick Forest Nursing Home on Monday afternoon.
She was born at Dixie Hospital and grew up in Hampton, Va. She graduated from Hampton High School in 1956. For most of her life she was employed as a NASA Langley Research Center contractor. She inventoried costly US government property on the east and west side bases. Joyce was diligent, accurate and a force to be reckoned with when items went missing.
Joyce is preceded in death by her husband John W. Harrell; parents Tommy (Snooze) and Louise Hopkins Dorsey, brother Craig Dorsey and wife Debbie of Newport News, and grandson Timothy Profit from Kentucky, and her beloved pets Nicki & Kayla.
Joyce is survived by brother Archie Dorsey and wife Mary of Smithfield, her Sister in Christ Nancy Yarborough of Newport News, daughter Cindy and husband David Shaddock of Hampton, son Bobby Harrell and wife Natasha of McKinney, Texas, daughter Tami Langford and husband William (Mike) of Hampton, granddaughter Jennifer Langford with Benny Adelotte, grandson William (Bill) Langford of Newport News, granddaughter Kerri Murphy and husband Ray of Hampton, grandson Cory Shaddock and wife Clarissa of Hampton, grandson Brain Harrell of Florida, grandson Christopher Harrell and Meghan of Florida, stepdaughter Linda Reason of Kentucky, son-in-law Henry Fuller of Kentucky, along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Joyce was always cheery and greeted everybody with “Hey honey, how ya doing” even up until the end, nothing ever broke her spirit. She will be remembered for her dedication to her family, her faith, and her church.
There will be a memorial service for Joyce at 11 a.m. on October 21, 2023 at Christ United Methodist Church located at 133 Deep Creek Rd. in Newport News.
Memorial donations can be made to the Newport News SPCA located on J. Clyde Morris Boulevard.
