Joyce Ann Helton
Her Journey
THE LIFE
Joyce Ann Helton, firstborn child to the late Reverend James Nathan Morgan, Jr. and Annie
Mae Scott Morgan, was born in Covington, Virginia, on June 3, 1947.
Joyce reunited with her Creator on September 9, 2025. She was preceded in death by her
sisters, Cynthia Edwards and Carol Sue Cassell, and a brother, Lawrence Morgan.
THE LESSON
Joyce received her spiritual foundation early in life as a member of Pine Street Baptist Church
and with guidance from her parents.
Joyce was educated in the Covington City School System and graduated from Watson High
School. Her extracurricular activities included the band and cheerleader squad. It was in high
school that she met Harry, "the football player". Fifty years later, they rekindled their friendship
and married on April 24, 2009.
Joyce was truly unforgettable to all she met because of her quick wit, beautiful smile, infectious
laugh, unique charm, and magnetic personality. She excelled in customer-organization support,
holding positions at Hercules, Incorporated, and major department stores. Joyce furthered her
personal development by obtaining a Certification as a Nurse Assistant.
A TIME TO SOW
Joyce enjoyed having a good time, especially while cruising in the white Bonneville with the top
down, listening to eight-track tapes, and heading to Douthat State Park with Sonya and Sheryl
for a weekend stay in a cabin.
She found solace traveling with Harry to Richmond, Williamsburg, Norfolk, and Delaware and
taking long drives along the Blue Ridge and Alleghany mountain ranges.
While Joyce cherished spending time with her siblings, family, and friends, the true joy of her life
was showering her grandbabies with a 'Nana kind of Love', hanging out, and creating special
moments with them.
THE KEEPERS OF THE LEGACY
Joyce is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband of sixteen years, Harry; beloved
daughters Sonya Fitzpatrick and Sheryl Fitzpatrick-Holliday; and to honor and cherish memories
from Joyce’s and Harry’s blended family: Joan Eagles (John), Harry Helton, Jr., Larry Helton,
(Natassja). Adoring grandchildren: Stephon Fitzpatrick, Sterling Fitzpatrick, Morgan Fitzpatrick,
Shawn Fitzpatrick, Denon Wilson, Peighton Holliday, Reagan Holliday, and a bonus
granddaughter Jordynn Helton. Sisters Nancy Sneed (Robert) and Madeline Johnson (Dale);
brothers James Morgan, III (Alisa), Timothy Morgan, and Paul Morgan (Curley); and a
generation of nieces, nephews, cousins, many friends, and colleagues.
Joyce’s sassy and classy style and joyful spirit will remain forever in our hearts.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Pine Street Baptist Church with the Rev. Stephanie Clark officiating, assisted by the Rev. Frances Stewart. The family will recieve their friends from noon until service time at the church.
REFLECTIONS
“So glad I was able to hear your laughter before you transitioned. Wish grandparents could live
forever, and am grateful for the memories and love we shared.” ~ Stephon (Grandson)
” Nana, I will forever cherish the memories, the moments, and definitely the laughs! I will forever
hear your laughter and feel the love in those quiet moments! You may be gone from my sight,
but never from my heart!” ~ Love, Shawn (Grandson)
“Thank you for having a beautiful family. Thank you for introducing me to the enjoyment of
Sudoku puzzles.” ~ Denon (Grandson)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The staff at Brian Center Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Low Moor showered Joyce with
an abundance of compassionate care. We are deeply grateful for the kindness you shared with
Joyce, Harry, and our family.
The family would like to express their appreciation for the many expressions of love, concern,
and kindness shown during this difficult time of heartache.
Arritt Funeral Home has been entrusted with overseeing Mrs. Helton's arrangements.
