Norton, Va.-Joyce Faye (Jessee) Ely, 84, passed away on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Lee Health and Rehab in Pennington Gap, Va.
Born in Harlan, Ky., she lived a majority of her life in Norton, Va. She was a store manager for several area retailers. She loved to work crossword puzzles and her home was full of writing pads that she doodled on. She loved her family and was known for speaking her mind. She was a Christian.
She was preceded in death by her son, Benny Gordan Ely, II; her parents, Vestus and Helen Jessee; and a sister, Helen Gaye Pendleton.
Surviving are her daughters, Doris Mullins (Lynn Bolling) of Big Stone Gap, Va. and Tereisa Mullins (John) of Wise, Va.; a son, Michael Ely (Debbie) of Coco Beach, Fla.; daughter-in-law, Carolyn Ely; ten grandchildren and seven great grandchildren; brother, Billy Charles Jessee of Wise, Va.; sister, Margaret Phelps; several nieces and nephews; and her lifelong friends, Jewell and Tom Adair, who stood by Joyce thru thick and thin.
Mrs. Ely requested cremation and no services.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory of Big Stone Gap, Va. is honored to serve the Ely family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.