Joyce A. Crawford

Joyce Ann was born on Jan. 18, 1942, in Stony Creek, Va., to the late Robert Sydney and Sarah Frances (Robertson) Johnson. Joyce departed this life on Jan. 7, 2010, after a courageous battle with chronic illness.

At an early age, Joyce received Christ and later moved to Newark, N.J., where she became a faithful member of Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church in Newark, N.J. Joyce was educated in the Sussex County public school system. She was employed by General Electric and KDI in Whippany, N.J., where she retired from in 2007. At her passing she was employed at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in Secaucus, N.J.

Joyce married the late Alphonso Jackson in 1968 and from this union was born Terrace Alphonso Jackson, their pride and joy. Following the passing of Mr. Jackson, she later married the late Major Crawford Jr. in 2002.

Joyce had a big heart and was a gentle, kind and easy spirit. She did her best to help others in need. She was sure to always spoil the kids and tried to take trips that would bring them joy. She especially spoiled her family down through the years with her delicious cooking and cakes. Friends always felt like family because she would never make a distinction.

Left to cherish her memory are a beloved son, Terrace A. Jackson, his significant other, Zenovia Walker; stepdaughters, Serena Grant and Ursula Johnson; sisters, Rosa V. Johnson and Susie Hill; two brothers, Timothy A. Johnson (Mary) and Milton C. Johnson (Shirley); brother-in-laws, Costell Crawford, Irvin Crawford, Robert Crawford and Clarence Phillips; sister-in-laws, Rosetta Burrows, Vivian White, Ruby Phillips, Lillian Crawford, Ida Crawford and Mary Crawford; grandchildren, Quinnera, Shakera, Taavi, Zeniyah, Shatina and Terrence; a niece, Phylicia, who called her "Grandma"; a devoted friend, Bernice Greene, who was there every day until the end. There are an abundance of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that loved Joyce and will cherish her memory. Many thanks to Pastor Milton Biggham, her co-workers and church family who both called and visited her regularly.

A funeral will be held at noon on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2010, at the Saint John Baptist Church, Stony Creek, with the associate minister, the Rev. Antoino Meade, officiating and the Rev. Michael Johnson eulogizing. Burial will commence at the Johnson Family Cemetery, Stony Creek. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, 2010, at the funeral home.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Joseph M. Johnson & Son Funeral Home, 530 S. Sycamore St., Petersburg, (804) 863-4411.