Ms. Joyce Skinner

Joyce Duke Skinner was born to the late Horace and Dorothy Duke on August 2, 1947. She departed this earthly life on Monday, January 5, 2026.

Ms. Skinner received Christ at an early age under the leadership of Saint Mary's Basilica Catholic Church. She was an active member for 32 years. It was placed upon her heart to return to her Pentecostal beliefs, so she became a faithful member of Calvary Revival Church in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1997. She was a faithful member of the Foodie and Movie Connect Group, as well as the Voices of Revival and Red Haters. She loved Bishop Courtney McBath and his beautiful wife, Pastor Janeen. Singing in the choir with the Voices of Revival choir was a joy of hers in its own right. Her greatest love was for the Lord, the word, and devotion to prayer. Ms. Skinner was the light in many people's lives as she could keep everyone laughing, even in sickness.

She would be right there with a word to uplift you and to keep a smile on your face.

Ms. Skinner was a proud graduate of Booker T. Washington High School in Norfolk, Virginia.

Following graduation, she served in the US Army Reserve, in the 18th Field Hospital Unit as a Staff Sergeant. She was also a devoted civil service employee at the Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth. After 39 years as a civil service employee and 21 years of military service, she retired in October 2015.

Developing friendships in all stages of her life, she held them close, cherishing each moment she had. Her friendships encompassed all aspects of life, as each one was special to her. Nothing short of a phone call away, Ms. Skinner was there with an extended hand to help. Knowing that friendships are much like gardens, she always put in the work to maintain a connection with those she was a blessing to and who were a blessing to her as well.

Ms. Skinner was preceded in death by her loving son, Delano Duke (Tim Tim), and devoted mother, Dorothy Rattler. She is survived by her honorary daughter, Pearl Simmons of Norfolk, Virginia; godson, Sandy Copeland of Chesapeake, Virginia; her loving sisters, Barbara Arrington and Daphne Marcus of Norfolk, Virginia; her brothers, Frankie Duke of Norfolk, Virginia, Clyde Sherrill, and Ronnie Sherrill of Chesapeake; special friends, Veronica Tutwiler, Natalie Brathwaite, Cynthia Beale, Alice Drew, Rosa Moore (Pee-wee), Della Powell, Barbara Judge, and Lulu Hicks; a special cousin, Elaine Johnson; as well as a host of relatives from Murfreesboro, Raleigh, and Durham, NC, who will never forget the love she brought to their lives.