JOYCE ANN GOLLADAY (Age 73)
On September 15, we lost a wonderful friend, aunt, sister, sister-in-law, Grammy and all around best momma in this whole world to lung cancer. An enormous hole has been left in our hearts. You’ve left a huge impression on everyone you’ve met. You fought your fight with grace and dignity and always with a smile on your face. Momma, we know you are at peace, and are watching over us like you always have.
Joyce Ann Golladay of Silver Spring, Maryland, was born on July 2, 1942, in Roanoke, Virginia, the second oldest of four children of Harmon and Lucile Deeds. They moved their growing family to Lakeland, Florida, where Joyce graduated from Lakeland High School in 1960.
She met the love of her life, Frederick E. Golladay while he served his country in the US Navy stationed in Orlando, Florida. After a whirlwind courtship, she relocated to Arlington, Virginia, took a job with the FBI and married Frederick on June 13, 1964, at Cherrydale Baptist Church in Arlington, Virginia. They moved to Takoma Park, Maryland, and then eventually purchased Frederick’s grandmother’s (Nana) home in Four Corners to raise their growing family of five children, Yvette, Shannon, Kristen and the twins, Frederick Jr. (Rick) and Erica. This cherished home has been the centerpiece of countless holiday celebrations for all that could fit around its table.
Joyce, beloved wife of the late Frederick E. Golladay, is survived by her children, Yvette (Patrick Stoker) Golladay of Alexandria, Virginia; Shannon (Norman) Montgomery of Laurel, Maryland; Kristen (the late Jason) Dubea of Sandy Spring, Maryland; Frederick E. Golladay Jr. of Silver Spring, Maryland; Erica (Mark) Miller of Edgewater, Maryland, and grandchildren, Courtney, Adelisa, Katrina, Joshua, Marrick, Cole, Ethan, and Arden, to whom she loved with all her heart. She also leaves siblings Wesley (Bonnie) Deeds; Lary (Nancy) Deeds; Karen (the late Randy) Heald and countless cousins, nieces and nephews.
Our mother lived life to the fullest each and every day she was with us. She was warm and welcoming to everyone she met, yet honest and real, not afraid to speak her mind. With a deep love for games of chance, she was a frequent traveler who took full advantage of the energy, “bling” and excitement that Las Vegas could offer. She took it in by enjoying the night life, the shows, the shopping, decadent meals and the allure of the “slots” – definitely one of her favorite attractions on her trips. Let’s face it, how many people receive a Christmas Card from Caesar’s Palace Casino each year?
While raising five loving and devoted children, which was rewarding, and at times had its share of challenges, she was our rock. As a stay at home mom, taxi service, room mother, soccer coach, disciplinarian, cheerleader, short order cook and the list goes on and on, she was the cornerstone of our family. With all of her motherly duties, she still found time to pursue her varied interests and along the way built many loyal, loving, long term friendships with those around her that stood the test of time.
Tenacity, warmth, outspoken demeanor, fun loving, vibrant, generous, caring, great sense of humor and “hutzpah” are just a few of the words and phrases that we use to describe this fiery redhead. She was all about getting things done, never settling and was relentless to completion. This was true in so many aspects of her life.
She was a gracious and welcoming host of countless family gatherings creating infamous delicacies that were uniquely her own…many stemming from her charming Southern roots. She had a true flare for decorating, with an extraordinary eye for color, texture, design and overall flow.
Throughout her illness, our mother felt extremely fortunate and thankful to be under the watchful care of her Oncologist, Dr. Thornton, along with the amazing staff at Sibley Memorial Hospital and other members of the medical community. She lit up the room and added light heartedness and comradery to her unpleasant situation and was very friendly with all her caretakers. While enduring ongoing treatments for nearly 3 years, with just a few “hiccups” along the way, she remained upbeat and relatively unfazed by her illness and took full advantage in the day-to-day joys of her life. In her final days, she felt truly blessed by the outpouring of support by family, friends and loved ones. And at the very end, she took solace in knowing that her daughter Kristen and sister-in-law Nancy were at her bedside attending to her every need so that she was never alone.
Momma you were one of a kind and we will forever love and miss you!
The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m., to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 20, 2015, at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Blvd. West, Silver Spring, MD. The Funeral Service will be held in the Gate of Heaven Chapel, 13801 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, on Monday, September 21, at 1:00 p.m. A reception to celebrate Joyce’s life will be held at the Inn at Brookville Farms, www.theinnatbrookevillefarms.com, 19501 Georgia Avenue, Brookville, MD, immediately following the Funeral Service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to Montgomery Hospice (www.montgomeryhospice.org).
