Norma Faye Joseph

Norma Faye Joseph, born to Alton and Evelyn Bright on February 19, 1942, had a compassionate heart and a love for others. Called "Norma Faye" as a child, she was known as "Faye" as an adult, although two lucky people got to call her "Mom". A beloved nickname of "Mimi", ultimately her favorite, attached itself when she became a grandmother and later, a great-grandmother.

Faye attended Central School in Pasquotank county through high school, then attended East Carolina University, where she graduated with a teaching degree and met her future husband. She married William "Bill" Joseph on June 7, 1964, then moved to the Virginia Beach area, and began her first career with Virginia Beach City Public Schools. Faye taught kindergarten/first grade for sixteen years, before starting graduate school at ODU. It was then she decided to pursue her true passion, social work, and transferred to Norfolk State University. After receiving her LCSW, Faye worked for several agencies over the years, including Navy Family Services and the UP center, before starting her own practice. She remained active in the social work community even after her official retirement in 2014. She offered her professional skills and knowledge in volunteer positions, allowing her to assist those in foster care, experiencing homelessness, or hunger.

Faye was devoted to God and throughout her life, tried to learn all she could about Him and His teachings. She loved the church, and praised God with her lovely voice! A singer since childhood, she sang in many choirs over the years, including Mount Herman UMC, Community UMC, Epworth UMC, and Ghent UMC. Music was a great love, as was Christmas, and for years, Faye was known to read A Treasury of Santa Mouse each year to children at the faculty Christmas party at Virginia Wesleyan College, where her husband worked as Comptroller. In their younger years, both Faye and Bill loved to entertain and often had get-togethers with friends and colleagues. Good food and lots of laughter were common at those events!

Faye is pre-deceased by her beloved husband of fifty years, Bill Joseph. She is cherished in memory by her daughter, Valarie "Michelle" Brown, spouse Sterling, grandchildren Rainy Miles(great-granddaughters Willow Wallace and Kora Miles), Chantal Miles (great-grandson Dominik Miles-Swanson). Her son, Mark Joseph, spouse Sarah, grandchildren Liam, Aspyn, and Skylar Joseph. Brother- and Sister-in-law: Alfred Jr. and Caddie Joseph. Nieces and nephews, Charlie Joseph Paul and Renee Joseph, Suzanne and Ronnie Steele–children Mallory and Victor Steele and Alyssa and Matt Wilson.

A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 1:00 p.m at Ghent United Methodist church, 531 Raleigh Avenue, Norfolk 23507.