Joyce Ray Furlough

Joyce Ray Furlough, 87, passed away May 12, 2025. Joyce was born in Norfolk, Virginia to the late Howard and Annabelle Krahenbill Tarkenton. Also, her late Aunt Lillian (Lillian Tarkenton Sykes) and late Uncle Nathan (Nathan Sykes) were like parents to her and cousins Jerusha, "Cookie" and Howard like a brother and sisters. She was also predeceased by adopted Father Leo Rock; Stepmother Bertha Tarkenton; husband, Wilbert R. Furlough; husband Elliott "Jack" Boyd, stepson Jimmy Furlough, stepdaughter Sharon Furlough, son-in-law Bobby Brewer, cousins; Lillian Rae ("Cookie") Sykes, Howard R. Sykes and Nathan Sykes Jr.
Joyce graduated from Seminole High School in Sanford, Fl where she was a majorette and played basketball. She has always enjoyed observing nature, taking many trips to beaches and the mountains. She didn't have to travel far to get to her favorite place - her own back yard. She loved feeding, watching the birds and growing beautiful flowers. She loved her many pets throughout the years but was especially close to her canine best friend Chewy. She was a big Washington Nationals Fan especially when they were winning. She also enjoyed hosting Holiday events in her home. She cherished her church family at Raleigh heights Baptist Church. She worked for C&P telephone for over 30 years in several roles and locations but she retired to pursue "the best job she ever had" -caring for her grandchildren.
Left to cherish her memory is her loving son, Elliott J. Boyd Jr.; daughter, Tarri (Tarra)Sullivan; stepdaughters Mary Jo Brewer and Patty Padgett; Daughter-in-law, Becky Boyd; son-in-law, Ken Sullivan; Grandchildren, Cody Boyd, Kendall Boyd, Robert Ray Brewer Jr. and Lindsay, Jennifer Brewer, Jamie Furlough, Jessica Adams and Jess, Leslie Zacaris and Hugo, and Courtney Blount and James. As well as many great and great-great grandchildren and a cherished extended family.
The family will receive friends at Graham Funeral Home, 1112 Kempsville Road, Chesapeake on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 from 10am to 11am. A service to celebrate her life will be held Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 11am at the funeral home with Pastor Shannon Terhune officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Memorial Park, Norfolk. Please visit www.grahamfuneralhome.com to view the service and to leave a condolence to the family.