Photo courtesy of T.E. Cooke-Overton Funeral Home - Suffolk
Dec 29, 1953 - Aug 18, 2025
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Helene Bynum Goodwyn
August 28, 2025 | Couryland, VA | Friend
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and Condolences and prayers to the family.
Shelia Birchette(Liberty Food Service Smithfield)
August 26, 2025 | Surry, VA
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Susan Goodman
August 26, 2025 | Waterbury, CT | Family
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Sharyn Ralph-Welch
August 26, 2025 | Suffolk, VA | Family
Joyce Kindred Carrington-Ralph, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, peacefully entered into eternal rest after a courageous battle, embraced by the love of her family and the grace of God.
Born on December 29, 1953, in Southampton County, Virginia, Joyce was the cherished daughter of the late John Allison Kindred and Katie Kindred. She was educated in the Southampton County Public Schools and proudly graduated from Southampton High School in 1972. Joyce’s pursuit of knowledge led her to Paul D. Camp Community College, where she earned her Associate’s degree.
Joyce’s professional life reflected her dedication and compassion. She began her career at International Paper (formerly Union Camp) and later served her community with distinction for more than 20 years at the Franklin Social Services Office. Beyond her career, Joyce lived a life filled with purpose, faith, and love.
She found joy in the simple pleasures of life—playing card games, coloring, traveling, and spending time with her family, who were her greatest source of pride. A faithful servant of God, Joyce was a devoted member of New Middle Swamp Baptist Church, where she served on the Deaconess Board, led Sunday School for the youth and new members, and further deepened her walk with Christ by earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies from Triple C Bible College.
On her journey to eternity, Joyce was reunited with her loving parents, John and Katie Kindred, and her siblings, John A. Kindred Jr., Edith K. Parker, Simery K. Brown, Catherine Massey, and Shirley Simmons (Phillip).
She leaves to celebrate and cherish her life: her devoted husband, Winfred Ralph; her loving children, Danyelle Carrington (Franklin, VA), Reginald Ralph (Jackita) of Chesapeake, VA, and Antonio Ralph of Chesapeake, VA; her precious grandchildren, Mesha Bullock, Rahime Bullock Jr., Mykiah Blow, Mariah Ralph, Maniya Whitehurst, Makell Whitehurst, Antonio Ralph Jr., and Shakhai Ralph. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, Levintae Brown Jr. and Legend Brown; her brothers, William H. Kindred of Drewryville, VA, Bennie L. Kindred (Mary Jane) of Franklin, VA, Alvin A. Kindred (Rebecca) of Franklin, VA, and Jerrel L. Kindred (Brenda) of Capron, VA; and her sisters, Virginia D. Peoples of Norfolk, VA, Nancy L. Freeman (Emerson) of Bowie, MD, and Gladys M. Burgess of Gambrills, MD. She is also remembered fondly by a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
Her life was enriched by the love and companionship of two special lifelong friends, Earva Jones and Gloria Wiggins, whose bond with Joyce was truly a gift.
To know Joyce was to experience warmth, kindness, and unwavering faith. Her spirit, wisdom, and love for family will remain a guiding light in the lives of all who were blessed to know her.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” – Psalm 116:15
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