Joyce Lavern Delk

On January 19, 2024, Joyce Lavern Delk passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loved ones. Joyce was born on January 31, 1952, in Surry, Virginia, to the late Bernard “Dick” and Pattie Mae (Sally) King. She was one of nine children.

Joyce married the love of her life, Wilbur Lee Delk, Sr. on June 3, 1967. The couple shared a life together for 56 years, 7 months, 2 weeks, and 2 days. Joyce and Wilbur dedicated their lives to Jehovah God and were baptized in 1974, proudly serving as Witnesses of His. Joyce served as a regular pioneer for many years alongside her husband, who continues to serve as an elder. She would tell all who would listen about Jehovah’s wonderful promise of everlasting life on a paradise earth, a hope that she held onto until the very end.

Joyce served as a school bus driver for over 30 years for Isle of Wight County Schools. She transported as many as three generations of families to and from school safely. She was well-respected in the community and cherished by all her students and colleagues.

Joyce is preceded in death by her sisters, Portia Wells, Barbara Thorpe, Ella Louise Greene, and her brother Bernard “Mickey” King, Sr. Joyce leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband, Wilbur Lee Delk, Sr., her four children, Belinda Vann (Crist) of Newport News, Virginia., Wilbur Lee Delk, Jr. of Portland, Oregon., April Delk of Fort Washington, Maryland., and Keletha Johnson (Pierre) of Smithfield, Virginia., her six grandsons, Steven, Andre, Jabar, Jacobie, Josiah, and Nipier; siblings, Billy King, Carrie Gwaltney-Williams, Dorothy Wilkerson, and a host of family and friends who love her tremendously. 

On Friday, January 26, 2024, a Funeral Service will be held 1pm at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses Smithfield, VA.  Interment will follow service at Mount Moriah AME Church Cemetery, White Marsh Road, Elberon, VA. 23846. Viewing will take place one hour prior to the service beginning at 12pm. Please keep the King-Delk family in your prayers.