A LIFE WELL LIVED
Joyce Marie Haughton, 76, of Hampton, Virginia, peacefully fell asleep in death on March 3, 2021, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Joyce was born in Hampton Virginia, on July 28, 1944, to the late Lester and Eva Shepard. Joyce was preceded in death by two brothers, Linwood Shepard and Robert Shepard; two sisters, Bessie Blake and Bernice Hill.
On October 29, 1960, Joyce was baptized in symbol of her dedication to her loving Heavenly Father, Jehovah God. Shortly after graduating from George P. Phenix High School, in Hampton Virginia, in 1962, she began serving as a regular pioneer. She desired to expand her ministry and went to serve in the Palmyra Virginia Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. This is where she met the man that would become the love of her life, Edward Haughton (Ed).
Joyce and Ed were married on December 18, 1965. For 55 years, she shared her life with Ed, who became her lifelong partner and friend. Out of this union, two sons were born, Alex and Lincoln, whom she loved dearly. As a family they always did things together, having a share in the ministry and traveling to many locations. Joyce and Ed attended two international conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses; in Denmark and South Africa.
In addition to her ministry, Joyce loved working in the yard. One could not help but notice the beautiful array of plants and flowers she had in her yard. She also loved to cook and sew. She made attractive suits for her sons when they were young boys. She loved making clothes for herself. She also loved upholstering. She was an avid reader, having read the Bible from cover- to- cover a dozen times and many of the classic books. In addition to kingdom melodies, she enjoyed country music.
Over the years, Joyce was employed by State Farm Insurance Company, Whitaker Hospital, Sentara Hospital, and private physicians. Her most satisfying vocation was sharing her faith with others. She served zealously in the preaching work for nearly 60 years until her health began to fail her. Through all of life’s many obstacles, she remained faithful to her dedication to Jehovah God.
Joyce leaves to cherish her memories: her husband, Edward Haughton; sons, Alex Haughton (Kelly), Lincoln Haughton (Shanna); sisters, Pamela Johnson, Patricia Murphy (Cyrus), Mildred Bass (Larry); brother, Lee Thomas Shepard (Patricia) and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, in-laws, friends and spiritual brothers and sisters.
Joyce was a wonderful wife, mother, sister and friend; a blessing to those that knew her. Her smile brought happiness and joy to many. She had a wonderful sense of humor. Joyce would want everyone who mourns her loss to know that they can see her again in the paradise that is coming soon to this earth, and that nothing would make her happier than for everyone here today to be there at her resurrection.