On Saturday, March 26, 2011 Joyce E. Martin went home to be with the Lord. Family and friends will unite on Tuesday, April 5th, from 10 A.M. until time of service 11 A.M here at Briscoe-Tonic Funeral Home 2294 Old Washington Road, Waldorf, MD . Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton, MD
Joyce L. Ervin was born on October 16, 1946 in Washington, DC to the late Thomas Ervin and Thelma Holt. Joyce was the oldest of three siblings raised by their loving parents, the late Thelma and Leo West. She was reared in Northeast, DC and the product of the DC public school system.
Joyce was a very independent soul. She married, divorced and never had any children of her own, but she was “Godmother” to many. Joyce was a very vibrant, glamorous, and classy lady. She walked with such style and such grace and could express herself in such a manner that could turn beet red, a sailor’s face! Her tongue and her wits were sharp! She was smart, kind, and had a great sense of humor. If you were her friend, on Joyce you could depend.
On any given weekend you would find Joyce and some or all of her “partners-in-crime” (Joni, Shirley, Helen, Ella and Mary, to name a few) driving up and down the east coast looking for, stopping by, dropping in, and BUYING UP EVERYTHING at every yard sale, craft store, pottery factory and flea market known and unknown to woman.
Approximately 15 years ago, Joyce retired on disability from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Student Financial Assistance, after suffering two strokes and becoming partially paralyzed. Joyce relocated and rehabilitated at her sister’s home in Ft. Washington, MD. This series of devastating events was both physically and emotionally draining for Joyce and she became somewhat of a recluse. She was down, but not out! But for and by the Grace of God, the Love of Family and Friends and the UNENDING and UNCONDITIONAL SISTERHOOD from her two BEST FRIENDS, Ella & Mary, SHE GOT UP and stayed up until God took her to HIS home for her final resting place.
Joyce is survived by her sister, Karen (Pee Dee), a devoted and loving brother-in-law, Richard, of Ft. Washington; two nieces, Traci and Brandi (U.S. Air Force); two nephews, Rodney D. West , and Richard, II; five Godchildren: Tahjai, Tyair, Taryn, and Quinton Milledge and Richard, III (Fat Fat). She is also survived by her dedicated Sisters-in-Christ, Ella Bell and Mary Freeman; two aunts, Grace Harley and Jean Hairston and a host of loving family and friends.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Your memories of Joyce will help you through this time. They will remain with you forever and keep her close to you.
Karen and Family: My sincere condolences on the loss of your beautiful loved one. I met Joyce and Karen many years ago when I was working at the Department of Education. Joyce was a really sharp dresser and I enjoyed our many talks together. May she rest in peace. May God Bless Each and Every One of You