Joan Layman McGee

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our mother, Joan Layman McGee, but we rejoice that she has been reunited with our father, Norman, and is in her eternal home with Jesus, whom she has followed and loved since she was a small child at Barton Heights/Northminster Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Norman, her two brothers, Fred and T.O Layman, and her parents, Fred Layman Sr, and Lucy Clementine Layman. She is survived by her daughters, Laurie Spiers (David) and Julie Middleton (Tim), eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Joan was raised in the Northside of Richmond and graduated from John Marshall High School class of 1950. She and Norman met in the downtown Thalhimer’s department store one day during lunch hour. He was looking for advice on choosing a pair of socks when she happened to walk by, and they left the store together with a new pair of socks and a plan for a date in the near future. That was in 1954, and they were together for the next 71 years, with a marriage that lasted 68 years. Over the next 6 years, they bought their first home and welcomed 2 daughters into the family, with Joan assuming her role as a homemaker. She was an amazing seamstress, making everything from her own clothes to Barbie clothes, curtains, prom dresses, and bridesmaid/flower girl dresses, eventually moving on to quilting. So many of our memories of our mom are of her sitting behind her sewing machine or standing by her cutting board to begin a new project. Norman and Joan became empty nesters forty years ago and were involved in many activities together. They were involved in a square dancing group for several years until Norman joined the Virginians, a barbershop chorus in Richmond. It was here that they made many wonderful friends as they traveled all over the state to events and competitions. My dad then transitioned to singing in the church choir for many years, allowing my mom to also use her sewing skills to help make costumes and other items that were used for the many productions the choir did during that time. As much as they loved doing all of these things, their most treasured role was that of Grandma and PaPa. They were such devoted grandparents, attending every sporting event, band concert, chorus, and show choir competitions, and never short on “advice” to any of their grandchildren (just ask them!!) Life slowed down quite a bit over the last 2 or 3 years due to Joan’s cognitive and mobility issues and came to a screeching halt last July when she entered memory care. Norman was tirelessly devoted to her, and his health declined even as he made sure she was being cared for. We cannot write enough words to express our own love and gratitude to the women who took care of our mom (and ultimately they took care of our dad too): first and foremost, RaRa who was so loving and kind, even when Joan got “sassy” and even watched out for Norman as he became weaker and weaker. Also, we cannot thank Kyeisha (and Nicole, too) enough for going above and beyond in their care. They ushered our parents into eternity with such love and dignity, and we are forever grateful to them. All services will be private.

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