Joyce Jefferson

Joyce Marie Jones Jefferson was born in South Hill, VA, on May 28, 1951 to Maggie R. Jones & Jesse Jones, Sr. She was the oldest daughter of 14 children. On March 14, 2021, our beloved Joyce was called home to live in eternal peace with our Heavenly Father. She was preceded in death by her father; two brothers, Oakley Leroy and Robert Jones; and one sister, Sylvia Jones.

A true servant, Joyce worked as a public servant at the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles for several years early in her career. Her calling led her to work for her home church, First Union Baptist Church, and then support other local churches including Gospel Baptist Church and Great Hope Baptist Church. This inspired her entrepreneurial spirit and she established her business, J3 Secretarial Services. Her business supported local churches, businesses and community members with administrative, communication, publication, and notary services. This led to her expansion into other businesses including Avon which resulted in her winning many presidential awards. Her final employment was at New Deliverance Evangelistic Church (NDEC) where she served as Executive Assistant to the late Bishop Gerald O. Glenn for over 25 years.

Throughout her life Joyce was involved in several community organizations including those centered on women-owned businesses. She was also a member of the AARP Southside Richmond #5395. As a faithful member of NDEC, she filled many roles and capacities, humbly working behind the scenes to support the ministry. She served on the bereavement team, hospitality ministry, Old Testament Sunday School class, Church Anniversary Committee, and was a regular Saturday morning prayer warrior. She also enjoyed singing in the choir and leading "Every Day is a Day of Thanksgiving."

Joyce was the epitome of what it meant to be a loving and devoted wife, mother and woman of God. Joyce would oftentimes be seen running errands for others, checking in on the sick, caring for the elderly, and helping others in the community. She gave of herself, her time, and her talents selflessly, never wanting any praise or recognition for the numerous good deeds she did.

Joyce's words of encouragement, wisdom and comfort consistently brightened and uplifted our lives, giving each of us something to pass along to others.

Her life and legacy will forever be cherished in the lives of those who survive her which include her mother, Maggie R. Jones of South Hill, VA; husband, Milton Jefferson of Chesterfield, VA; children, Derric Jefferson of Chesterfield, VA and Chanelle Avila (Adrianerick) of Atlanta, GA; three grandchildren, Swavae Jefferson, Adrianerick and Adrielle Avila; four sisters, Thelma Oliver (Elijah), Delphine Sanchez (Juan), Parthenia Hughes (Rodney), and Deborah Jones; six brothers, Rev. Jesse Jr. (Beverly), Herbert (Brenda), Alonzo, Cephus (Marie), Minister Samuel, and John (Yolanda) Jones; sister-in-law, Evangeline Jones; special cousins, Pat Alston and Regina Jones; godchildren, Brandis Jones, Kimberly Harris and Tosh Henderson; and a host other family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to New Deliverance Evangelistic Church via www.ndec.net or www.givelify.com to note In Memory of Joyce J. Jefferson. 

A viewing will be held 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Thursday, March 25, 2021 at Wilson & Associates' Funeral Service - East Chapel, 5008 Nine Mile Rd., where a private funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, March 26, 2021.  

Interment will follow at Dale Memorial Park.

The family has entrusted final arrangements to Wilson & Associates Funeral Service - East Chapel, 5008 Nine Mile Road, Richmond, VA.