Joyce Yvonne Jones

There's an open gate at the end of the road
Through which each must go alone,
And there in a light we cannot see
Our Father claims His own;
Beyond the gate, your loved one finds happiness and rest
And there is comfort in the thought
That a loving God knows best.

On Tuesday, October 1, 2013, at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, VA, surrounded by her family and friends, God extended his almighty hand of love and gently took Sister Joyce Y. Jones to a home of joy, peace and happiness. Babysis, as she was so graciously known by her family and friends, was born on April 30, 1951 to the late George and Emma Ware Gorham. She received her education in the public school system in Washington, DC.

Babysis confessed her faith in God at an early age, was baptized and became a member of the Little Zion Baptist Church in Oak Grove, Virginia. She served faithfully and financially until God saw fit to take her in his care. She attended services faithfully even when her health began to decline. She was actively involved in the following ministries: Missionary, WB Scott Singers, Little Zion Senior Choir and President of the Culinary Ministry for many years. She was also actively involved with the Ladies Auxiliary of the Oak Grove Volunteer Fire Department. Her family was a source of inspiration to her. She looked forward to preparing meals for her family and friends. No one ever left her house hungry.

Babysis was employed at Hall's Supermarket for many years. She was also employed by the Westmoreland County School System for 25 years as a Bus Driver and retired from that position in May 2010.

On May 13, 1972, she was united in Holy Matrimony to Moses E. Jones. Two children completed this union, Frederick and Latoria.

She was a devoted wife, a loving and caring mother and grandmother and a compassionate and considerate individual to numerous people she encountered during her life. She was preceded in death by one brother, George "Lil Man" Gorham. She leaves to cherish fond memories her husband, Moses E. Jones of Oak Grove, VA; one son, Frederick Gorham of Colonial Beach, VA; one daughter, Latoria Carey of Mechanicsville, VA; four grandchildren, Ma'Shanda Gorham of Frankfurt, Germany; Jerome Jr., Sydni and Jakerah Carey all of Mechanicsville, VA; one brother, Melvin Gorham of Silver Spring, MD; three sisters, Elizabeth Tate of Oak Grove, VA, Juanita Byrd of Colonial Beach, VA and Rene' Green of Tappahannock, VA; one daughter-in-law, Nina Gorham of Frankfurt, Germany; one son-in-law, Jerome Carey, Sr. of Mechanicsville, VA; two aunts, Lititia Riddick of Oak Grove, VA and Gladys Scranage of King George, VA; one uncle, Garrison Ware of Washington, DC; eight brothers-in-law; nine sisters-in-law; four godchildren, Punch-O Gorham, Angie Tate, Antwan Smith and Devin Turner; three very special and devoted friends, Ester Smith, James Lewis Smith and Patricia Henry; five devoted nieces, Rickeeta Gorham, Charise Hickman, Chrissy Fortune, Byrdell Long and Crystal Saunders; four devoted nephews, Rickey Gorham, Sr., Lloyd Gorham, Eric Byrd and Andre Tate; grand-dog, Roxie and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.