Belvie Joyce Mays

Belvie Joyce Mays, 85, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2026, at Sovah Health & Rehab in Martinsville, Virginia. She was born on November 23, 1940, in Patrick County, Virginia, to the late Charlie Columbus Joyce and Edna Turner Joyce.

In addition to her parents, Belvie was preceded in death by her son, Bobby Ray Mays, and her granddaughter-in-law, Meredith Reffett, five sisters; Eva Dale Joyce, Dellie Day, Doris Bryant, Betty Cline, Mabel Young, and three brothers; Billy Joyce, Nelson Joyce, Clyde Joyce.

Belvie will be lovingly remembered by her devoted husband, Earnest James Mays; her son, Steven R. Mays (Maxine); her daughters, Lori Haskew (Jonathan) and Melony Mays; her grandchildren, Jarrett Mays (Kate), Brandon Handy (Gabriela), Mary Katherine Handy, Rodney Griffin (Sherry), David Griffin, and Steven Griffin; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and her sister, Tiney Harold.

A lifetime member of Tabernacle Baptist Church, Belvie’s faith was an important part of her life. She found great joy in the simple things she loved, especially collecting and admiring antiques and spending quiet moments reading. Her gentle spirit, love for her family, and kind heart will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Belvie leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love and cherished memories that will remain in the hearts of her family and friends for generations to come.

Services will be held at Bassett Funeral Service Chapel on Friday October 9, 2026, with a visitation from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. and a funeral service following at 3 p.m with Pastor Jonathan Haskew Officiating. Interment will take place at Old Center Primitive Baptist Cemetery.