Joyce Ann Hursey, 93, transitioned peacefully at her residence in Chesapeake, Virginia, on April 8, 2026. She was born in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1933 to parents Margaret Washington and Lorenzo Boyce. Following her mother’s marriage to Linwood Washington, Joyce was lovingly adopted and carried the Washington name. She was raised into adulthood by her devoted Godmother, Mary Harding (Mumpsi), whose guidance and influence helped shape the woman she would become. Joyce received her early education in Norfolk and was a proud graduate of Booker T. Washington High School. In 1952, she attended Norfolk Division Of Virginia State College (NSU), where she participated in a contest and was selected for naming the college’s mascot, the Spartans. She later continued her education at Virginia State University, where she pledged the Alpha Eta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, in 1954.

Joyce graduated with a degree in Elementary Education and married her college sweetheart, James S. Hursey, on October 1, 1955. Their loving union was blessed with two daughters, Joni and Jennifer and they referred to their family as “The 4 J’s”. Joyce dedicated her life to education, teaching in various elementary schools in the Bridgeton school system. She was deeply committed to her students, often welcoming them into her home for tutoring and guidance. Many of her students remained in contact with her throughout the years, visiting her even in her later life which was a testament to the lasting impact she had on so many young lives.

In addition to her work in the classroom, Joyce faithfully served her church, John Wesley Methodist, where she taught Sunday School. At Mount Zion AME Church she was a member of the Stewardess Board #3 and faithfully wrote handwritten notes to the sick and shut-in members of her church. She would mail each one as a heartfelt expression of care, encouragement, and unwavering compassion. She believed strongly in both God and education, instilling those values deeply within her family.

Joyce found joy in many hobbies, including playing the piano, baking, sewing, photography, creating scrapbooks, and reading. She also enjoyed playing Scrabble, writing poetry, and staying informed about current events and politics.

Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James S. Hursey. She was also preceded by the passing of her Godsister Vivian Savage. 

She leaves to cherish her memory her two daughters, Joni and Jennifer Hursey; three grandchildren, Jame’ Joyce Cummings (Charles), Joyi Ann Winston and Gregory James Hursey Young, each proudly carrying a part of her name and legacy; she also leaves six cherished great-grandchildren, Elijah, Gregory, Greyson, Malachi, Zion, and Zora. She further leaves her siblings, Lois Brown and Sayeed Mumin formally known as Renard Boyce, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and many others whose lives she touched.

Joyce’s legacy of love, faith, and dedication to education will live on in all who knew and loved her.