Joyce Dewitt Thacker

Joyce Dewitt Thacker, 88, of Lynchburg, embarked on her next adventure on March 3, 2023. She was born June 1,1934 in Campbell County, VA, the third of seven children. She was raised in the Lynchburg area with the fondest memories of her siblings and her grandmother Vera, with whom she lived in Big Island as a young girl. Joyce graduated from Brookville High School in 1952 and later continued her education with business courses through the University of Virginia.

Of her many accomplishments, Joyce will be remembered by her family and friends as a masterful Southern cook – her fried chicken and potato salad delighted everyone who had the good fortune to enjoy them. She took great pride in sharing her culinary skills with others and could always be counted on for an impromptu cooking lesson for those wanting to duplicate her dishes.

A devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Joyce took the greatest joy in sharing her life with “her people.” She loved hosting everyone for the holidays; her hospitality always included decadent food, lots of gratitude and a special atmosphere of holiday magic that only she could create.

Joyce was a people magnet – people of all walks of life were drawn to her easy smile, natural curiosity and open-heartedness. Her laughter was infectious and she often found herself “tickled” by the humor of life; family gatherings frequently included an episode or two of laughing ‘til we cried.

Joyce was a successful entrepreneur, leading and growing Creditors Service Agency in the eighties and nineties, during a time when it was rare for women to run their own businesses. One of her favorite things to do was to conduct seminars for her clients and her peers, sharing her knowledge on the finer points of bill collection. In her professional and personal life, she was generous to all and an advisor to many. She took great joy in helping others succeed.

Joyce was a gifted artist and she loved sharing her paintings with others who appreciated her down home, Southern aesthetic. She painted still life’s and scenes from her experiences that captured the spirit of the places she depicted – moments frozen in time.

In addition, Joyce will always be remembered for her love of picnics (especially on a summer Sunday at the Peaks of Otter), buttercups, playing (and usually winning) Scrabble, Willie Nelson, telling tales of her youth while “gallivanting” through the country and “making memories” with those she loved.

Joyce will be forever remembered and always loved by her two daughters and their families: Donna Adams and Doug Adams and their children Alexa Adams and Marc Adams; Maria and Bob Kingery and their son, Zach Kingery; as well her beloved nephew and business partner Jimmy Lakes and “adopted” daughter Carmen Quinney.

Per her wishes, a celebration of her life (party!) is planned for March 25th at 3 pm at her home. In lieu of flowers, donations to Iron Lives (ironlives.com) or the Miller Home for Girls (millerhomeoflynchburg.org) would honor Joyce’s legacy.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.