Joyce A. Sherman

Joyce Ann Sherman, age 77, went home to be with the Lord on January 19, 2026.

Joyce was born on January 23, 1948, to her loving and amazing parents, William Cooper and Mildred Katheryn Bettes, of Ridgefield Park, New Jersey. Joyce was, and always will be loved by many. She was a smart, loving, beautiful, selfless, hardworking, music-loving, and inspiring woman of faith.

Joyce loved her family and friends, of which she had many. She was born at Englewood Hospital to her excited parents and her brother, Ward Bettes. The family later moved to Oradell, New Jersey, where Joyce graduated from River Dell High School.

Starting as a young child, Joyce spent her summers for 20 years in Seaside Park, NJ at 32 "J" Street-a place that holds many amazing memories and lifelong friendships for her and her family. She later attended the University of Vermont, where she met her first husband, Ray Darling, and welcomed her daughter, Kathy. After Ray enlisted in the Navy, Joyce moved to Virginia, where she gave birth to her son, Cullen.

Life held many changes for Joyce, including the beginning of a new chapter with her second husband, Lloyd Sherman. Together they moved to the country, and Joyce was blessed with her third child, Richie. After settling in Blackwater, her love for nature and simple living flourished. Joyce and Lloyd embraced what is now called "homesteading," learning to live simply, organically, and intentionally. Providing for her family of five was her passion. She found peace and joy in hard work-growing vegetables, tending animals, and creating a loving home. Joyce had a special way of making hard work feel joyful and meaningful. Loving, teaching, and spending time with her family were always her greatest priorities.

Joyce fully immersed herself in country living and held many different jobs throughout her life, including driving a bus for VB Schools as well as work at a vineyard, a hog farm, and an exotic bird preserve. She began attending Blackwater Baptist Church, where she found the Lord and grew deeply in her faith. Joyce taught children, participated in women's ministry, and formed many lasting friendships.

Life again held changes for Joyce when her husband Lloyd passed unexpectedly. In the next season of her life, Joyce began attending Sonlight Church, where her faith continued to grow. She also found a new family of friends through AA, a community that strengthened her faith and deepened her love for others. Joyce's life became an inspiration to countless people, including her family, as she lived to serve and help others find peace and purpose in the wonderful gift of life given by God.

Joyce was an amazing keeper of friendships and relationships. If she knew you, you were never forgotten. She stayed connected with many and made everyone feel special, loved, and important-especially her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her 25 years of sobriety continue to inspire all who hear her story.

In addition to her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Sherman; her son, Cullen Darling; and her daughter-in-law, Allison Sherman.

She is survived by her loving family, who will honor her legacy of faith, love, and strength; her brother Ward Bettes (Vicki) of Washington State; her daughter Kathy Gibbs (Joe); her son Richard Sherman; her grandchildren Christie Gibbs (Carlos), Brandy Adams (Justin), Mason Sherman, and Corbin Sherman; her great-grandchildren Layna and Jay Adams, and Felicity and Charlotte Palanca Gibbs; her nieces Cyndi (Charles) and Sally (Mark); and Easton (Sally).

A celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

You will never be forgotten as you rejoice with Jesus in Heaven.

Love you always.

Arrangements are in the care of Graham Funeral Home and Crematory, Chesapeake. Please visit grahamfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence to the family.