Joyce Elizabeth (Haynes) Via

Joyce Elizabeth Haynes Via, of Mechanicsville, passed away peacefully at her home at age 95 on October 26, 2024. She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Oscar Via, Jr. and her brother, Carlton Haynes. Joyce is survived by her children, Gary Via (Donna) and Robin Underdown (Jeff); four grandchildren, Joshua Schwartz (Jen), Jennifer Miller (John), Jamie Underdown and Kasey Hoover (Ben); and eight great-grandchildren, Alexis Schwartz, Emma and Jack Miller, Malachi and Samson Eftekhari and Winnie, Bodie and Jordie Hoover. Joyce was born in Richmond on June 23, 1929, and moved to Hanover County in 1938, where she became a lifelong member of Walnut Grove Baptist Church in 1941, attending services for as long as she was able. Joyce graduated from Battlefield Park High School in 1946 and from the Richmond Professional Institute (now VCU) in 1963 and became a beloved teacher at Mechanicsville Elementary School, where she taught second grade for 20 years. Joyce's fondest joys were vacationing with her family and participating in family activities at the Rappahannock River cottage owned by her parents, "Doc" and "Billy" Haynes. In her later years after being confined to her home, her greatest delights were visits from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her cousin, Wayne Haynes, her nephew Mike Haynes and his son, Beau, her niece Christine Hall and family, her niece Ellen Weber and husband Mark, and numerous friends and church family. Joyce was steadfast in her faith and gratitude for the blessings and long life that God gave her, with one of her favorite Bible verses being "My cup runneth over." She often expressed appreciation for the loving help she received from her children and devoted caregivers Kim Grace, Connie Roy, Cheryl Disse, Anita Singh, Sophine Manley and Jean Ellis. Joyce was especially grateful for Elaine Stephens, her longest tenured caregiver, friend and confidant, whose extraordinary attention and companionship brightened her last nine years. The family will receive friends in the sanctuary at Walnut Grove Baptist Church on Saturday, November 2, 2024 with a visitation at 11:00 AM and service at 12:30 PM, followed by interment in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Walnut Grove Baptist Church.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.