Joyce J. Miller

Joyce Jean Barkley Miller, 74, of Virginia Beach went to be with the Lord on December 20, 2024, surrounded by her loving family at Sentara Hospital, Norfolk, VA. Born on June 12, 1950, in Martin County, NC she was the daughter of the late Lillian Gaither Barkley. Just as her name, Joyce was always joyful and always there to help her family.

Joyce graduated from Brawley High School, Scotland Neck, NC May 1968. After graduating she moved to East Orange, NJ. There she married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Rufus Miller.  They later moved to Virginia Beach, VA.

Following in the footsteps of her mother, Joyce was an active member of Roanoke Zion Baptist Church, Hobgood, NC where she was an usher.  She later became a faithful member of New Life Baptist Church, Virginia Beach, VA.

A dedicated Insurance Broker of Hartford Insurance Agency, in New Jersey and State Farm Insurance in Virginia Beach, VA for over 25 years, Joyce touched countless lives with her warm professionalism mixed with humor. She never met a stranger.  A dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother, Joyce was most happy when she was surrounded by those she loved.  She always allowed her younger brothers and sisters to spend summer vacations at her home creating memories, supporting them and their endeavors, and assuring they were best prepared for school, adulthood and life.  She would host festive gatherings for Christmas, her favorite holiday, and Thanksgiving at her home, cooking an assortment of delicious foods.  She enjoyed traveling with her husband during their retirement, decorating their home, caring for the grandchildren, as well as the dog and watching the classics such as Andy Griffith.  Joyce loved her family and friends, giving advice and support in times of need.  Following her mother’s lead, she became the matriarch to keep the family together until her illness. She also enjoyed volunteering at Hospice after her mother passed to provide solace to others battling cancer since she knew how it affected families.

Joyce leaves to cherish her memories, her devoted husband to the end, Rufus Miller; one daughter, Kameka Miller Washington (Frank) and two grandchildren Ryan and Kai of Chesapeake, VA; four brothers, Leon Barkley of Palm Coast, FL; Bernard Barkley of East Orange, NJ; Ronald Barkley (Beth) of South Orange, NJ; Reginald Barkley (Pam) of Oak City, NC;  two sisters, Brenda Barkley Jenkins (Ronnie) of Lexington Park, MD and Sheila Barkley Quick (Anthony) of Atlanta, GA; and a special auntie who was like a big sister, Hattie Mae Robinson of Scotland Neck, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, special cousins and friends.