Vivian Joyner Willie

Vivian “Pougie” Emily Joyner Willie, Our Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Cousin, Friend, closed her eyes and peacefully transitioned to her heavenly rest on Tuesday, May 4, 2021.  A native of Virginia Beach, VA (formally known as Princess Anne County) she was born one of 9 children on December 3, 1930 to the late Clarence and Novella Joyner.

She attended public school in Princess Anne County.  Pougie worked at Lake Taylor City Hospital and Princess Anne High School in the Housekeeping department, retiring from both in the early 90’s after 30 years of service at each.  While retired, she took on the more enjoyable job of helping with the child rearing of her great and great-great grandchildren and taking care of her home.  “Ma-Ma”, as she was affectionately called by many, was a nurturer at heart and often showed her love for others by preparing Sunday home cooked meals where the family would gather, and no one would ever leave hungry. Many of us have enjoyed and will surely miss those meals, especially her home-made rice pudding!

A faithful member of Burton United House of Prayer, before her health started to decline, she served as a member of the Gospel Choir and #1 Usher Board with many of her siblings and cousins. She was also a strong supporter of the Grannies understanding how important it is to raise a child with strong Christian values.

Vivian was married to the late Emuel C. Willie and this union blessed them with four remarkable children. She was also predeceased by her brothers, Robert & Edward Joyner; sisters, Thelma Walton and Novella Joyner.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her children, Juanita Wiggins (Edward), Emuel Willie, Jr. (Carolyn), Yvonne Willie-Armstrong, Reginald V. Willie, legally adopted granddaughter, LaTascha Willie Foster (Greg). God also blessed her with grandchildren who affectionately called her “Mama”, Sonja Haynes, Sherry Knight-Harris, Chanda & Chelsea Willie, Dale Jr., Juan & Michael Armstrong, Jennifer Jackson, Reginald Jr., Sparkle, Reginald III & Dawn Willie, Elizabeth Hutson. She also was blessed with 23 great grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren; brothers, David Sr. & Alexander Joyner; sisters, Lucy Simmons, Cora Joyner; sister-in-laws, Lola Elliott and Edith Joyner; godchild, Leporsha Lipscomb, and a host of nieces and nephews. Special friends for decades, George and Thelma Overton.

A woman of strong stature, while she didn’t have a lot of words, she had a kind heart and an easy smile that will be missed by us all.

The family will be receiving guests on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at the family home at 6:00pm 

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