Sunset and Evening Star
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the Bar
When I put out to sea–
On Friday May 8th, 2020, God called our beloved Joycelyn Hicks Johnson from labor to reward. Joycelyn was the first born of the late Lula Patterson Hicks and William “Willie” Hicks on February 9th, 1937. in the Berkley section of Norfolk.
At a very young age, she attended and joined New Central Baptist Church. Later in life, she joined First Baptist Berkley and remained a member until her demise.
After completing Abraham Lincoln School, she attended Booker T. Washington High school in Norfolk and graduated in 1954. She stayed in touch with her high school classmates after graduation and was the president of the class during her final years.
Joycelyn attended The Norfolk Division of Virginia State College(now Norfolk State University) and after two years, married her high school sweetheart, Richard “Squirrel” Johnson. To this union her four children were born. After the birth of her third child, Michelle, “Squirrel” and Joycelyn moved to Philadelphia, where Kevin was born.
Upon returning to Norfolk(Berkley), Joycelyn continued her association with the Berkley Group and was in attendance to the Super Bowl Party held in Chesapeake in February. The Berkley Group had many gatherings: Church, various homes, back yard cook-outs and bus trips. She was always in attendance and served as the contact person to extend the invitation to the group.
As soon as she returned from Philadelphia, she secured employment in the Norfolk Public Schools as a classroom assistant working in Elementary Schools, High Schools, and Alternative programs. During an evaluation period, one of her principals wrote that she was an “excellent role model” and “great counselor” and permitted her to counsel students assisted by her classroom teacher. Her principal stated that her ability to counsel was a “tremendous help” to the Guidance Department at his school.
After her tenure with Norfolk Public Schools, Joycelyn was hired as a Residence Supervisor with the Southeastern Virginia Training Center in Chesapeake. After several years at SVTC, she retired but didn’t stop working. She was very active with her class, the Berkley Group, Neighborhood Watch Programs, correspondence to Norfolk City Council, and several letters to the Virginian Pilot regarding local, state and national issues. One of her favorite answers to persons when things weren’t going well was: “MY HEAVENLY FATHER WILL TAKE CARE OF IT AND ME”.
Mother was pre-deceased by her parents, grandparents, her husband, her brother William “Plug” Hicks,and several other family members and friends.
Left to cherish her memory are her children Richard(the 3rd), Marshia, Michelle, and Kevin(Robin). Grandchildren; Kenethia(Johnathan), Dereono, Re’Shawn, Kicherra, Tajia, Kyra and Adrianna.
As Bryant wrote in Thanatopsis: APPROACH THY GRAVE LIKE ONE WHO WRAPS THE DRAPERY OF HIS COUCH ABOUT HIM AND LIES DOWN TO PLEASANT DREAMS. Joycelyn, Enjoy your new home in Glory.
But Now They Deserve A Better Country, That Is, An Heavenly, Wherefore God Is Not Ashamed To Be Called Their GOD, For He Hath Prepared For Them A City–Hebrews 11:16–KJV
Condolences(9)-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Previous Dr. Thomas W. Point
Next Dwayne Wesley
Jim Hilton says
May 15, 2020 at 12:32 pmThere is no one in this world like a mother; a mother is with us always, first in her lifetime, then forever in our memory. Ellen and I hope you feel surrounded by much love. We hold you close in our thoughts, sharing in your sadness as you remember your mom, Joycelyn. Jim & Ellen
Shirley Nottingham says
May 18, 2020 at 9:15 amRemembering a beautiful, wonderful classmate. God bless you family.
JOSEPH SCOTT says
May 18, 2020 at 12:18 pmMy most sincere condolences to the family. The passing of your mom leaves an emptiness in my heart. Be blessed and stay encouraged always.
George&Delois Banks says
May 18, 2020 at 12:24 pmYou will always be in our hearts.I will miss you my friend.God now has a beautiful angel and you are in a better place.
George & Delois Banks
C. Brown says
May 18, 2020 at 3:07 pmMy thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
C. Brown
Patrick Forbes says
May 18, 2020 at 8:09 pmOur deepest Condolences to The Johnson/Hicks Family from The Wilkins/Holloman & Forbes Family. We Love you all dearly! Aunt Joycelyn will truly be missed. Rest In Heaven, Love Always, Patrick.
PAMELA F SPRUILL says
May 21, 2020 at 12:01 pmSo sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. May you be comforted by the Holy Spirit as you try to manage the void. Ms. Joycelyn was indeed an icon in the Berkley community. Personally I will miss that firm voice on the other end of the line whenever she called seeking information to help others. May God’s love and peace cover you all.
PamFieldsSpruill, Project Manager
Beacon Light CHDO
Veronica bahiy says
July 6, 2020 at 8:48 pmMy deepest condolences. She was very sweet lady.
Debbie Floyd Brooks says
September 19, 2020 at 10:15 pmTo the Johnson Family,
I would like to express my sincere condolences in the absence of Mrs Johnson. I found out today and quit speechless to day the least. I’m going to truly miss my whitty and darling friend. Your in a much better place Sista. God bless the children and all of her extended family and friend s of BTW.
Sincerely,
Debbie Brooks
United Insurance