Joyce A. Clemens

Joyce A. Clemens, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister-in-law, and friend, passed away surrounded by family on September 17, 2025.  Words cannot express the loss felt by those whose lives she touched.

Joyce was born and raised in Elizabeth City, NC by her loving parents, Evie Riggs and Alfred P. Alston.  She grew up with a love for spending time at the Outer Banks and enjoying time with friends and family.  Joyce was a member of City Road Methodist Church throughout her years in Elizabeth City and graduated as valedictorian from Elizabeth City High School in 1954.  Joyce graduated from The Women’s College of The University of North Carolina in Greensboro, earning a bachelor’s degree in mathematics in 1958.

A career at the NASA Langley Research Center brought Joyce to Hampton, VA after her graduation from college where she worked as a computer programmer and analyst.  She began attending Hampton Baptist Church with her roommates and eventually became a member.  Joyce met her future husband, Charles “Chuck” F. Clemens, Jr., in Hampton.  They married in 1964 and began building an incredible life together.  In 1968, Joyce took a break from her career, dedicating her time to raising her children.  As her children grew and began to attend school, Joyce worked as a substitute teacher and worked part-time at Langley Federal Credit Union.  She later returned to NASA, finishing out her career as a budget analyst.  After her retirement, Joyce and Chuck enjoyed many happy years watching their grandchildren during the work week.  They also loved to travel and enjoyed many exciting trips with a group from Warwick Travel and with their family.

Joyce will be remembered as a loving and generous wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.  She was dedicated to raising her children in Christ as a member of Hampton Baptist Church.  Those who knew her will remember her intelligence and willingness to help others.  Her children and grandchildren will remember her love, devotion, and loyal presence at their events and activities.  Her grandchildren will remember the loving care she provided as they stayed with their grandparents during their parents’ working hours.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Evie Riggs Alston and Alfred Plummer “A.P.” Alston; sister-in-law, Evelyn C. Hobbs; brother-in-law, Herbert Hobbs; sister-in-law, Joan C. Whitney; cousin, Arlene Ward; and cousin-in-law, Alvin Clemens.  

Joyce is survived by her loving family, her husband, Charles “Chuck” F. Clemens, Jr.; her daughter, Catherine C. Black (John); her daughter, Lisa K. Clemens (David Gaffney); her cherished grandchildren, Evie C. Gaffney, Alston G. Black, and Claire A. Gaffney; her sister-in-law, Donna C. Seabolt; her brother-in-law, David Whitney; her cousin-in-law, Penny Clemens; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joyce’s honor to either Hampton Baptist Church by clicking HERE or the American Cancer Society by clicking HERE.

An opportunity for visitation is planned for September 26, 2025, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home at 245 South Armistead Avenue, Hampton, VA 23669.  A funeral service will be held the following day on September 27, 2025, at 12:00 pm at Hampton Baptist Church, 40 Kings Way, Hampton VA 23669.