Joyce Drexler

Joyce Drexler

July 18, 2024

Joyce Drexler, 80, of Richmond, passed away, surrounded by family, on July 18, 2024, following a courageous battle with Lymphoma. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Elsie Drexler; brother, Johnny Drexler; brother-in-law, Melvin Moody; and nephews, Von Moody and Markie Drexler. She is survived by sons, Paul Anthony DelCorso, Jr. (Melissa) and Brian Francis DelCorso; grandchildren, Joshua and Kaitlyn DelCorso; former husband, Paul DelCorso, Sr.; brothers, Joe Drexler Jr, (Linda), David Drexler, and Mark Drexler (Carolyn); sisters, Theresa Moody, Bea Hammerstrand (John), and Marie Kolendo (Wojciech); many nieces and nephews and their families; and very special friend, Rich Parker. Joyce grew up in West Point, VA, then moved to Richmond. She worked as a secretary for Virginia Governor, Mills E. Godwin and later was the administrative secretary at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church for over 25 years. She believed her most important role while working at the Cathedral was ministering to the many disadvantaged people who came to the church seeking assistance. As a parishioner of the Cathedral, she served as a Eucharistic minister and lector. Later, she joined St. Mary's Catholic Church, where she took on some of the same roles. Joyce was a volunteer at St. Mary's hospital where she led patients in saying the Rosary. She was a loyal fan of the Washington Redskins and VCU Rams.

The family would like to thank the many people who have been the face of God to us throughout her sickness. These people include but are not limited to: Monsignor Thomas Miller, Father Michael Renninger, Deacon Peter McCourt, Rich Bemiss, and Heather Heishman (and many other friends at St. Mary's Catholic Church), Father Robert Brownell, Father Thierry Hakpon (and all of the other wonderful people at Crater Community Hospice), the kind staff of Spring Arbor of Richmond, friends at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, and the doctors, nurses, and staff at St. Mary's and Johnston-Willis Hospitals, as well as the Virginia Cancer Institute. Joyce died as she lived, with a strong faith in God, and love for her neighbor as herself. In this spirit, she wanted her body donated for medical research.

Owing to this, a funeral mass is yet to be scheduled. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church, Commonwealth Catholic Charities, and Crater Community Hospice.