Joyce Victoria Couch

Joyce Victoria Couch moved on to a better place “very quietly” on Sunday, December 23, 2018. Joyce was born October 11, 1937 to Lillie Mae and James Whitmore in Harlem, New York City, N.Y., where she was raised. She received her education in Harlem and Washington, D.C.

After moving to Trenton, N.J., and marrying John Esco Couch, she worked for 17 years at the Trenton Housing Authority as the assistant director. She then worked for the State of New Jersey, Division of Youth and Family Services, where she eventually became the union vice president of CWA Local 1039 and served one four-year term before becoming president of the same local and serving until her retirement.

She is survived by her daughters, DeeAnn Renee and Robin Michelle Couch, and son, John Eric Couch. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Chanelle Borden (John Borden), Johnathan Smith, Kiera Ashley, Alexis Paige Couch and Quinton Couch, and great-grandchildren, Davis James and Jordan Amaya Borden.

She also leaves her loving church family. In her years at Our Lady of the Divine Shepherd, Blessed Sacrament/OLDS and Sacred Heart parishes, she was a lead singer in the choir and a member of the Altar-Rosary Society, bereavement committee, and parish fundraising committee. Joyce was also a former member of the Knights of St. John, Ladies Auxiliary 598 and Central New Jersey Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 5, 2019, at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, 151 N. Warren St., Trenton, N.J. There will be calling hours and a program of songs at 8:45 a.m. until time of service at the church. Entombment Greenwood Cemetery, Hamilton, N.J. Arrangements are by the Hughes Funeral Home.