Dr. Joyce Marie Busch departed this life on August 3, 2025, at the Hermitage Senior Living Center, Richmond, VA. She was born on April 11, 1936, in New Orleans, LA, to the union of Thomas and Adele Buffington. She was predeceased by her parents, brother, husband, Dr. Samuel Busch of sixty-six years, and her daughters, Sheryl L. Busch and Susan Busch Bell.

Dr. Joyce Busch attended Hyde Park High School and graduated from Roosevelt University, Chicago, IL with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. While attending the University, Dr. Joyce worked for three years as a Laboratory Assistant in the Biology Department. In 1957, she continued her education as a member of the first Medical Class of 100 students in the New College of Medicine at Howard University where she also served as Class Secretary for four years. In 1961, Dr. Joyce performed her internship at the Texas Medical Center in San Antonio, TX. Upon completing the Pediatric Resident Program at Harlem Hospital in New York, NY, Dr. Joyce became an associate professor at Babies Hospital, Columbia University, NY.

In 1967, Dr. Joyce and Dr. Samuel begin their practices at Petersburg General Hospital in Petersburg, VA with Dr. Margret Crowder (Medicine), Dr. Alfred Johnson (Surgery) and Dr. Benjamin Barnwell (Surgery).  Dr. Joyce Busch became the first African American to practice Pediatrics at the Petersburg General Hospital. During that era, it was mandatory for blacks to perform continuous medical education in order to remain on the hospital staff.  Dr. Joyce fulfilled this requirement by attending various conferences in the United States, Africa, China, Russia and Japan. Dr. Joyce was known as the most accomplished and sought after Pediatrician in the Petersburg, Dinwiddie and surrounding areas. She retired in 1993.

In 1986, Dr. Joyce Busch became the Second President of Southside Virginia Chapter of National Coalition of 100 Black Women succeeding Dr. Grace Norbrey. She was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Delta Omega Chapter.

Dr. Joyce joined Zion Baptist Church, Petersburg, VA in 1970 where for more than 26 years she was an active member and contributor, serving on the Zion Herald News, Bible Study Presenter, Member Teller Team, Finance Committee, Women's Day Coordinator, Wellness Ministry and Repast Ministry.  In 2009, Dr. Joyce Busch was honored as Zion's Women of the Year. She was an avid reader, enjoyed listening to music and creating floral arrangements.

In March 2025, Dr. Joyce obtained temporary residency at Hermitage Richmond, Richmond Virginia where she was inducted into the Greek Goddess Association as "IASO"- the Goddess of Healing, Medicine and Illness Recovery. Dr. Joyce was truly happy at Hermitage Richmond where she was surrounded with love, great care, good food and friends – a blessed family atmosphere.

Dr. Joyce leaves to cherish her memories: her sister-in-law, Vanetta Lewis of Pennsylvania; goddaughter, Monica Pennywell; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends too numerous to name.

Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at Mount Olivet Baptist Church, 800 Augusta Avenue, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. Wesley K. McLaughlin, Pastor, Rev. Dr. Rebecca Branch-Griffin, eulogist, and Rev. Herbert Holly II, officiant. The interment to follow at Blandford Cemetery.

A family and friends visitation will be held from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., Monday, August 11, 2025, at the funeral establishment where the Ivy Beyond the Wall Ceremony will be accorded.

In remembrance of Dr. Busch's dedication to family wellness, contributions may be made to Yeshua's House, P.O. Box 143, Petersburg, VA 23804, (804) 605-3841; or Hebron, VA, Inc., 1679 Brandon Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (904) 401-1330.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.