Joyce Yvonne Keel Merrell Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Joyce Yvonne Keel Merrell, 85, was accepted into the loving arms of her Lord on December 13, 2018. She was born in Pitt County, NC but lived most of her life in Portsmouth, VA. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. Joyce, who was also referred to as “Sister” by both relatives and friends, lived a full and eventful life. She grew up in Everetts, NC and remembered her “country” roots fondly, often relating fun adventures with her siblings and the love of her parents. She moved to Portsmouth as a young girl, eventually becoming a proud alumni of Woodrow Wilson High School. She never forgot her North Carolina roots and her trips back home were so very meaningful to her. She became a mother to three children, which became a huge sense of pride for her until the very end. Some of her greatest joy was on display when she was in the presence of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family was always central. Joyce had her fair share of challenges. From young adulthood, she was plagued by a multitude of health problems. She spent a number of years as a single parent and did her best in a number of sales and clerical jobs to provide for her family. Her faith as a Christian was key to her resilience. In times of trouble, Sister was grateful that her family wrapped their loving arms around her and her children. Despite all this, she had a great sense of humor; she loved to laugh, be silly and just have plain fun. Holidays and family gatherings were events she looked to with anticipation and fully enjoyed. She loved her marathon conversations with family and friends. The last four years of her life were at Emily Green Shores, where she died. She loved interacting with residents and staff there, where she was famous for making faces, wanting to dance, and generally enjoying all the activities the assisted living had to offer. Joyce Keel Merrell was a survivor. However, the struggle did not take away the “inner child” in her or her love for family. She will be missed by all. She was predeceased by her parents, Grace S. and Samuel W. Keel, Sr.; grandchild Melanie Yvonne Taylor; two brothers, Frederick Van Steele and Samuel W. Keel, Jr. She is survived by her daughter, Joyce Elaine Taylor and her husband Howard; sons Edward M. Flanders, Jr. and his wife Virginia, Mark W. Flanders and wife Kimberly; her sister Mary L. Ozment and husband Albert; grandchildren Christina E. Czerwonka, Samuel F. Taylor, Elizabeth B. Jeffers and William D. Flanders; great-grandchildren Grace Czerwonka, Sarah Czerwonka, Chandler Branton, Brayden Jeffers and Anna Jeffers; many nieces, nephews and wonderful family members. Our family would like to recognize the amazing Betty Flynn, who was Joyce’s caregiver for a number of years. We would also like to thank Compassionate Care, who provided such outstanding hospice support to Joyce and the entire family. A funeral service will be held Monday, December 17, 2018, at 2 pm at Loving Funeral Home. Burial will be at Olive Branch Cemetery on Monday, immediately following the service. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday, December 16, 2018 from 2-3:30 pm. Memorial donations can be made to Emily Green Shores, the H.E.R. Shelter or American Heart Association.