Search by Name

Search by Name

Joyce Longest

1939 - 2025

BORN

1939

DIED

2025

UPCOMING SERVICE

Memorial Service

Dec. 13, 2025

2:00 p.m.

Sharon Baptist Church

Send Flowers

Joyce Longest Obituary

Joyce Sweet Longest passed away on November 24, 2025 at the age of 86. Joyce or "Auntie" as she was known by all lived a life of fun and adventure. She taught math in Henrico County for 33 years, but found time to travel all over the world from African safaris, to China and Europe. Auntie was the life of the party, but also the sweetest, most giving person. She was well-loved, and will be sorely missed. She was the daughter of Ivy Lipscomb Sweet and James Bernard Sweet. She is survived by her sister, Molly Sweet Longest of King William, VA, her nephew Cary Longest and niece Kimberly Zicafoose and husband Jay Zicafoose. She is also survived by her great nieces and nephews: Heather Longest Lankford, Morgan Lankford, Cory Longest, Jack Longest, Abigail Zicafoose, Austin Zicafoose, Ashley Zicafoose, and Amber Zicafoose, and her great great niece and nephew Hadley and Hayden Lankford. A memorial service will be held at Sharon Baptist Church of King William, VA on December 13 at 2:00 p.m.
Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch from Dec. 9 to Dec. 11, 2025.

Memorial Events
for Joyce Longest

Dec

13

Memorial service

2:00 p.m.

Sharon Baptist Church

King William, VA

Memories and Condolences
for Joyce Longest

Not sure what to say?





5 Entries

Patty Harmon Dickerson

Yesterday

Mrs Longest was my homeroom teacher and math teacher 1976. This is my second time. Best teacher ever. Sending prayers to her family

Patty Harmon Dickerson

Yesterday

She was my 7 grade math teacher. I am among one of her fans. She tough me a lot of math. She was a true teacher. She put her heart to make sure you got her class.

Karen Jones Cheek

December 9, 2025

To Ms. Longest's family, please accept my most sincere condolences; I was saddened to learn of her passing. Ms. Longest was my 7th-grade math teacher at Hermitage Middle School (now Moody Middle - I was also the English and homeroom student of Ms. Longest's friend, colleague and my fellow correspondent on this page, Mrs. Paterson). Ms. Longest was as kind as she was knowledgeable and helpful. Her dedication to each student was evident in her teaching methods and the time she spent with all of us. I completed my studies with her not only ready for 8th-grade mathematics, but actually comfortable and maybe even a bit excited about the prospect. The blessing of confidence she instilled in me as an initially apprehensive math student followed me through the remaining years in public school. As a bonus, Mrs. Longest was also my instructor for one of the six-week exploratory classes I took in 7th grade. I loved art - my focus in college - and she taught a unique, quite sophisticated and incredibly fun crafts course. Fifty years on, I treasure the acrylic paperweight designed and created in that class. I will always remember Mrs. Longest - it was an honor to know her. Please know that my family and I are thinking of your family and wishing you comfort. - Kind regards, Karen Jones Cheek & Family (Glen Allen, VA)

Karen Jones Cheek

December 9, 2025

To Ms. Longest's family, please accept my most sincere condolences; I was saddened to learn of her passing. Ms. Longest was my 7th-grade math teacher at Hermitage Middle School (now Moody Middle - I was also the English and homeroom student of Ms. Longest's friend, colleague and my fellow correspondent on this page, Mrs. Paterson). Ms. Longest was as kind as she was knowledgeable and helpful. Her dedication to each student was evident in her teaching methods and the time she spent with all of us. I completed my studies with her not only ready for 8th-grade mathematics, but actually comfortable and maybe even a bit excited about the prospect. The blessing of confidence she instilled in me as an initially apprehensive math student followed me through the remaining years in public school. As a bonus, Mrs. Longest was also my instructor for one of the six-week exploratory classes I took in 7th grade. I loved art - my focus in college - and she taught a unique, quite sophisticated and incredibly fun crafts course. Fifty years on, I treasure the acrylic paperweight designed and created in that class. I will always remember Mrs. Longest - it was an honor to know her. Please know that my family and I are thinking of your family and wishing you comfort. - Kind regards, Karen Jones Cheek & Family (Glen Allen, VA)

Barbara Paterson

December 9, 2025

Joyce was the most wonderful hostess ... she had a kind word and a smile for her colleagues and students alike. My sincerest condolences to her friends and family.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

Make a Donation
in Joyce Longest's name

How to support Joyce's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Joyce Longest's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more