News Summary
Joyce Pounder, a beloved mother, grandmother, and educator, passed away after battling vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Known for her warmth and commitment to education, she touched many lives through her work at daycare centers and her home daycare in Mississippi. Joyce’s deep faith and community involvement made her a cherished figure. She is survived by her husband and three daughters, along with nine grandchildren. Her impact on those around her is remembered fondly, and her legacy continues through the lives she inspired.
Yorktown, VA – Joyce Pounder, a cherished mother, grandmother, and dedicated educator, passed away on Saturday, July 19, 2025, after a brief but courageous battle with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. She was surrounded by family at the time of her passing, leaving behind a legacy marked by love, kindness, and a profound commitment to her community.
Born and raised in Scranton, South Carolina, Joyce was the second youngest of seven children in the Matthews family. Her father, Dewey Matthews, was a farmer, and her mother, Letha Matthews, was a devoted homemaker. Joyce often recounted fond memories from her childhood on the family farm, illustrating the strong familial ties and values that shaped her life.
Joyce graduated from Lake City High School in 1966 and married Stanley Brown in December of the same year. The marriage lasted 13 years before they separated. In 1983, Joyce married Gary Pounder, a member of the United States Air Force. The couple adopted two daughters, Kristen and Katrina, and later welcomed a third daughter, Ashley. Due to Gary’s military assignments, the family frequently relocated, living in states including North Carolina, Colorado, Georgia, Virginia, Mississippi, and Arizona.
As a mother, Joyce was affectionately known as the “most popular mom on the block.” She was always ready to host children from the neighborhood, often welcoming them for sleepovers and weekend visits. Her warmth extended beyond her own children as she became a beloved figure within her community. Joyce dedicated many years of her life to education, serving as a Sunday school teacher and working at various daycare centers. She was particularly noted for her willingness to take on challenging assignments, helping upset or anxious children feel more comfortable.
In her later career, Joyce ran her own home daycare in Oxford, Mississippi, where she created lasting bonds with the children in her care. Years later, many of those children returned to invite her to their college graduations, a testament to the impact she made on their lives.
Throughout her life, Joyce remained deeply committed to her faith. She accepted Jesus as her savior at a young age and became filled with the Holy Ghost during her teenage years. Joyce was an active member of the Christian community and was affiliated with WOW Church in Newport News at the time of her passing. She was known for sharing her faith and being a strong witness for Jesus.
Joyce is predeceased by her parents and all six of her siblings, including brothers Leo Matthews and Donald Matthews, as well as sisters Genell Hyman, Kathleen Poston, Juanita Player, and Vicky Buchanan. She is survived by her husband of 41 years, retired USAF Major Gary Pounder, and her three daughters: Kristen Kennedy of Yorktown, Katrina Pounder of Grenada, Mississippi, and Ashley Pounder of Houston, Texas. Joyce also leaves behind nine grandchildren who filled her life with joy and happiness.
Visitation for family and friends will be held at Amory Funeral Home in Yorktown on July 24th at 7 PM. Funeral services are scheduled for July 25th at WOW Church in Newport News, starting at 9 AM, followed by internment at Peninsula Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Joyce’s name to Samaritan’s Purse or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, organizations aligned with her compassionate spirit and commitment to helping others.
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Additional Resources
- WY Daily: Joyce Pounder of Newport News
- Wikipedia: Alzheimer’s Disease
- Legacy: Kelly Carroll Obituary
- Google Search: Vascular Dementia
- Carmon Funeral Home: Joyce Pounder Forget
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Dignity Memorial: Joyce Pounder
- Google News: Obituary
- Legacy: Carleton Forrest Obituary
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
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