Joyce A. Wynn, affectionately known as “Sweetie” to her husband James, was born on November 7, 1954, in Conway, South Carolina to Robert and Cleo Vernon. She grew up in Neptune, NJ surrounded by the love of family and friends. Joyce attended the Neptune school system, graduating from Neptune Senior High School in 1973. From there, she attended Brookdale Community College as well as Springfield College, a private University in Springfield, Massachusetts. Throughout her youth, she attended Second Baptist Church of Asbury Park, NJ under the leadership of the late Rev. Verner R. Matthews. Following her marriage, she joined Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church of Asbury Park, NJ under the leadership of James E. Wynn, Sr. Until her passing, Joyce was a member of Grove Church under the leadership of Dr. Melvin O. Marriner.
Amongst her many passions, Joyce was an avid reader, singer and lover of books. Growing up, she, along with her cousin Bernice and sister Bobbi, formed a musical group where they sang and performed in various venues throughout Neptune and Asbury Park, NJ. There wasn’t a song she couldn’t sing or note she could not hit.
Joyce had a passion for cooking that was unmatched. Her talent and ability in the kitchen allowed many loved ones to remain on “Hostess duty” up until today. It was customary for family members to put in their special requests before traveling to Virginia to see her. It made her smile to see everyone enjoying her food.
Joyce spent several years in Augsburg, Germany, where two of her three children were born. She had hoped to spend the next few years traveling to the places remaining on her bucket list. It was her dream to see the Grand Canyon with her sister Kathy, which they spoke about often. Her passing leaves a reminder to live out those dreams.
While living in New Jersey, Joyce spent several years in the banking industry. She was good with numbers and there wasn’t a problem she could not solve. After moving to Virginia, Joyce began her career at Bon Secours Medical Center where her coworkers became family. She chose retirement with the birth of her grandson Chance.
On Monday, March 3, 2025, after a brief illness, Joyce departed this life into God’s loving care. She was predeceased by her father Robert Vernon, her sisters Barbara and Judy Vernon and her brother Charles Vernon.
She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, James E. Wynn Jr. of Portsmouth, Virginia; her children, Valencia M. (Stephen) Phillips of Suffolk Virginia; Asia M. Wynn of Chesapeake, Virginia and son James E. Wynn III of Cincinnati, Ohio; Five grandchildren, Tehran Davis of Atlanta, GA, Chance Wilson, Stephen Phillips Jr., Alexis Olds and Maliek Simmons. Joyce also leaves to cherish her memory, her mother, Cleo Vernon of Bridgeport, CT, her siblings Ann Levy and Shirley Cattouse of Long Branch, NJ, Peggy Vernon of Neptune, NJ, William Vernon of Neptune, NJ and Kathy Williamson (Troy) of Bridgeport, CT.; Sister-in-law Valerie Wynn, two brothers-in-law Elton and Charles Howard and her Father-in-law, James E. Wynn Sr.
Joyce leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever cherish her legacy. Life will not be the same without her, but her love for her family will transcend the Heavens.
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