God saw the road getting rough, the hills were hard to climb,

He gently closed her loving eyes and whispered, "Peace be thine"

The weary hours, the days of pain, the sleepless nights are passed.

The ever present, worn out frame has found sweet rest at last.

On Wednesday, December 27, 2023, God called home one of his angels, Joyce Lorraine Ridley-Lewis.  She was welcomed into heaven with the open arms of God.  Joyce was born on January 2, 1964 in Ahoskie, North Carolina to Roosevelt (deceased) and Katherine Ridley.  At an early age, she gave her life to Christ when she joined First Baptist Church East End under the guiding hand of Reverend Woodrow Brown Sr.

In June 1983, Joyce graduated from Bethel High School in Hampton, Virginia.  After graduation, she enlisted in the United States Army. Joyce was the loving mother of three beautiful children, Megan (Chris), DeMarco and Alex and a loving grandmother to Bailey.  Joyce was married to Johnnie Lewis Jr., a loving and faithful husband.

She was predeceased by her father, Roosevelt Ridley; one aunt, Linda Askew; two uncles, "Buddy" and Arthur Pope.  Joyce will forever live on in the hearts of her mother, Katherine Ridley; sister, Tara Smith; aunt, Marjorie Edge (James); uncle, Ray Pope (Katherine); niece, Essence Love; nephew, Dominique Montgomery; and a host of family and friends.

A Glimpse Into Joyce's Life

Joyce was kind and generous-she enjoyed helping others.  One of the ways she helped was by serving in the United State Army where she found her passion for life.  She also had a passion for traveling.  She went to the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas and to Mexico.  Joyce glowed when she returned home from her trips with pictures and tales of her adventures.  Joyce served honorably in the military and when she set foot on her second career journey, she worked with the Veterans Administration-Hampton, Virginia.  She found great pleasure in assisting veterans with finding homes and helping them attain their dreams of being homeowners.  In addition, she opened her home to veterans living at the VA Hospital inviting them to come on Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays to enjoy a home cooked meal along with her family.

One of her biggest accomplishments was when she passed the realtor examination and worked for Coldwell Bankers.  This brought her so much joy as she was doing the same thing her mother was doing-being a Real Estate Agent.

Joyce had many gifts and talents, she was a dutiful daughter, a sister's best friend, a loving mother and a generous soul to many.  Joyce loved to bake.  One of the things that she was well known for was her homemade from "scratch" coconut cake.  This was a talent that was the best in every way.

Joyce will be missed greatly.

She will be remembered as a person who helped others, and who brought joy to many.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 11, 2024 at First Baptist Church East End.  Viewing will be from 3-6 p.m. on  Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at the funeral home and two hours prior to the service at the church on Thursday.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.