Gertrude Joyce Rhoads

Gertrude “Joyce” Rhoads, 84, of Newport News, passed away on March 30, 2023. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Robin Ann, and survived by her husband, Melvin; son, Russell; daughters, Mary Carista (Glen) and Erika Calistro (Jose); grandchildren, William, Madison, McKenzie, Tiffany, Tammy, and Amy; and seven great-grandchildren.

Joyce was born in New Jersey on July 25, 1938. She was surrounded by her aunts, uncles, and extended family throughout her childhood. She later met and married Melvin, whom she spent the next 66 years of her life with. Joyce was a dedicated homemaker who made sure that no one she met went without a little more love in their lives. Her roles as wife, mom, grandma, and great-grandma were central to her life and she loved nothing more than her family. Later in life she became an active member of Warwick Memorial United Methodist Church, the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Retired Wives Club, which she hosted at her home for 15 years, and the PAA Group. Some of her favorite pastimes were feeding the birds, playing bingo, trying her luck at the slot machines with her daughters, and spending her Friday afternoons playing cards with her son. Joyce poured her heart and soul into all she did and all she met. She was truly a “Granny to all” and will be remembered for her loving personality and caring nature.

A visitation for Joyce will be held on Wednesday, April 5th from 6-8 pm at Altmeyer Funeral Home - Denbigh Chapel, 12893 Jefferson Ave, Newport News, VA 23608. A funeral service will be held the following day on Thursday, April 6th at 11 am at the Denbigh Chapel, followed by a graveside committal service at 1 pm at Peninsula Memorial Park, 12750 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, VA 23606.