Joyce Ann Wynn Massenburg, of Petersburg, Virginia, departed this life on October 7, 2025.  She was born on May 17, 1947, to Herman and Anna Jones Wynn. Joyce is survived by her children, Willie E. Massenburg, Jr. (Carol Lyn), Joy A. Massenburg and Jewel Massenburg; and affectionately known as "Nana" to her two grandchildren, William Duke Massenburg and Lincoln Grace Massenburg.

She is survived by her aunt, Catherine Jones, and a host of family and friends. Among them, devoted cousin and much like a sister, Darlene Gibbs (Dallas); also maternal cousins, Vanessa "Diane" Clanton (Glenn), Reginald "Jack" Jones, Cassandra "Nay" Jones, Gwendolyn Jones, Paula "Pokie" Jones, Paulette Allen, Melissa "Missy" Brown (Damon), Babette Hammond, Todd Jones (Veronica), Musa Jones, Chevon Jones and Coby Ryder. Further, she leaves behind paternal cousins, Charles White III (Anna), Elnora "Denise" Smith, Herbert Wynn, Sr. and Juanita Wynn, as well as numerous dear family and friends, among them Denise Massenburg Turner. Joyce was godmother to Anthony Roy and Nkanta N. Hines, Sr. (Sherri), children of two of her lifelong friends, Rosezelia Roy and Sarah Hines. She also counted Mildred Batts and Sharon Embry (David) among her longest friendships. Joyce was a close friend to the Bradley, Henderson, Lundy, and Weaver families.

As a lifelong resident of Petersburg, she began her studies at Blandford Elementary School and continued in the Petersburg Public School System, graduating from Peabody High School in 1965. She received her Bachelor of Science in Business Education, and her Master of Science in Education from Virginia State University in 1969 and 1973, respectively. She also did doctoral work at Nova Southeastern University in Florida.

Joyce loved her community and grew up in Bethany Missionary Baptist Church.  In later adult years she became a member of the historic Gillfield Baptist Church, one of the oldest black congregations in the nation, where she was a devoted member for more than 40 years. She considered the Women's Fellowship Ministry, Vacation Bible School, Parish Club and annual Walk Against Hunger among her most cherished involvement. Joyce took pride in her hometown and was a founding committee member of the annual Blandford Reunion. She was a Diamond Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and lifelong member of the Petersburg Alumnae Chapter since her initiation in Spring 1980. She worked diligently for her sorority and served on numerous chapter committees and the Delta Community Service Foundation Board of Directors. In 2010 she was recognized by the sorority with the Unsung Hero Award.

Joyce also loved her country and retired in July 2015, after over four decades of federal civilian service as a training analyst for the U.S. Army. She was primarily employed at Fort Lee, but rounded out her career at Fort Monroe and Joint Base Langley-Eustis. Joyce was the first chair of the Fort Lee Federal Women's Program and successfully developed a Day of Religious Service at the military base. In December 2014, during a service at The Pentagon, she received the Bob Hope Spirit of Hope Award for her voluntary contribution of time and resources to enhancing the quality of life of service members in her community. Only one recipient is chosen from each of the five branches of the military and the OSD/joint Staff annually.  Joyce was nominated for the Spirit of Hope Award by the commanding general of the US Army Training and Doctrine (TRADOC), Joint Base Langley/Eustis in light of the fact that she has often served to better the well-being of soldiers and has been annually honored for duty, honor, courage, loyalty, commitment, integrity, or selfless dedication. During her career with the U.S. Army at Fort Lee for more than 30 years, she received the Achievement Medal for Civilian Service, as well as EEO Manager of the Year and Supervisor of the Year awards.

That same year, she was recognized in the city of Petersburg as one of five women considered to be "Ordinary Women Doing Extra Ordinary Things."

She previously served as an adjunct professor at Saint Leo University and Chapman College, both at Fort Lee, and was a former member of the Federally Employed Women (FEW) and Blacks in Government (BIG).

Joyce was a former member of the Tri-City University Women, NAACP, Jack and Jill of America and the Southside Women's Investment Club (SWIC).

She truly was a phenomenal woman cut from a special cloth.  Joyce was passionate about her love for people, and giving and serving as was evident all of her life. There will never be another like her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Services will be held 12 Noon, Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Gillfield Baptist Church, 209 Perry Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. George W.C. Lyons, Jr., Pastor. The interment to follow at Dinwiddie Memorial Park.

The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Omega Omega Service will be accorded one hour prior to the service at the church.

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