Joyce Jean Young

Joyce Jean Young, beloved mother, grandmother, cousin, friend, and faithful servant of God, was born on October 7, 1953, in Richmond, Virginia, to the late Ada Parham Young and Eugene Young. She grew up in Jarratt, Virginia, where she graduated from Sussex Central High School in 1972. Guided by a deep belief in education and service, Joyce later attended Virginia Union University, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Special Education Magna Cum Laude in 1984—a reflection of both her dedication and her brilliance.

Joyce devoted much of her professional life to federal civil service with the Social Security Administration. She began her career as a Claims Representative, meeting community members where they were and helping them understand their rights under federal law. With patience, compassion, and unwavering commitment, she guided countless individuals through complex systems so they could receive the benefits necessary to live fuller, more stable lives. Her work was not just a job—it was her ministry of service.

Later promoted to Paralegal Specialist in the Office of Appellate Operation at the Office of Hearing and Appeals, Joyce assisted federal judges by conducting legal research and preparing detailed legal briefings. She took great pride in the integrity, purpose, and public responsibility of her work and cherished the colleagues who became lifelong friends. Joyce truly loved being a federal civil servant and brought excellence, discernment, and heart to every task she undertook. Her federal service ended with her retirement in 2013.

Outside of her professional accomplishments, Joyce delighted in gathering family and friends for holidays, celebrations, and summer cookouts—moments filled with her laughter, her cooking, and her warm presence. She was an avid gardener, traveler, historian, and collector of stories. Her passion for genealogy and Black history took her on unforgettable adventures, including her last multistate road trip through Atlanta, Birmingham, and Memphis, where she visited many historic sites. Her last major project involved collecting early 1800s census records with the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society. Joyce approached history the way she approached life—with curiosity, purpose, and reverence for those who came before her.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Joyce served as a loyal member of Grayland Baptist Church for more than 40 years. As a C. Whitaker Auxiliary Usher, she greeted everyone with grace, dignity, and warmth. She loved God, her church, her family, and her community with unwavering devotion.

Joyce leaves behind a legacy defined by love, courage, and steadfast dedication to the people she cherished. Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit—gentle, wise, and strong—will forever remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted daughters, Dr. Brandy Young-Gqamana (Dr. Putuma Gqamana) of Rochester, NY, and Alicia Griggs-Young; her niece, Chasitity Starks; granddaughter, Philani Gqamana; grandsons, Khayalam Gqamana and Kaiden Kearney; and a host of beloved cousins. She also leaves to honor her memory her bonus son Tony Tillery; her deeply devoted caregivers from Legacy Hospice; and her beloved pastor, Bishop Dexter Cannon.

Joyce Jean Young—the boldly courageous and brave one, the mighty tree, the matriarch of our family—fought a valiant fight. With her family by her side, she transitioned peacefully to her heavenly home.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — II Timothy 4:7

Remains rest at Joseph Jenkins Jr. Funeral Home, 2011 Grayland Avenue, where Ms. Young can be viewed on Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 10:00am to 6:00pm, and where funeral services will be held on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 1:00pm. Rev. Gina G. Whitaker, Officiating. Interment, Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Family and friends are asked to assemble at the funeral home at 12:45pm on Monday.

Online condolences are available at www.jenkinsjr.com.