Joyce Scott Dabney, 81, of Petersburg, VA was born on March 16, 1945, to Malendia Lawrence and Jimmy Lawrence in Sussex County, VA. She departed this life on July 20, 2026, at Bon Secours Southside Medical Center, Petersburg, VA.

Joyce attended Sussex County Public Schools. She was a member of Good Shepherd Baptist Church where she served on many committees and ministries, giving her time, energy and heart to the work of the church.

Joyce was employed with JCPenney where she was recognized as the first black female salesperson of the year. Later, she retired from Standard Motors. This achievement was more than award. It was a testament to her hard work, excellence and courage.

Joyce enjoyed cooking, shopping and fellowship. She also loved taking care of the people she loved.

Joyce was preceded in death by her father, Jimmy Lawrence; mother, Malendia Lawrence who passed away two days following Joyce; her sister, Audrey L. Scott; and her brother, Roland Lawrence.

Joyce leaves to cherish her memories to her children, Anthony N. Scott (Juanita Vaughan) and Kevin Dabney; grandchildren, Winter Vaughan, Antonio Vaughan, Lacy Williams and Allia Martin; great grandchildren, Zykia Vaughan, Trevante Vaughan-Singleton, Zaniyah Vaughan-Singleton, Tyquan Barnes, Kaleek Vaughan, Shondra Jarrett, Carrie Williams and Liam Michael; brothers, Tony Duncan (Elaine), Tyrone Duncan (Yolanda), Quinton Duncan, Steven Lawrence II and Larry Duncan; cousins, Sandrea Scott, Denise Scott and Shameka Wynn; devoted friend, Brenda Buggs; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Friday, July 31, 2026, at Good Shepherd Baptist Church, 2223 South Crater Road, Petersburg, VA, Bishop Jeffrey L. Reaves, Sr., Pastor, eulogist.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page.