Joyce Page Ellingsworth, affectionately known as “Ganna” to those who loved her best, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2026, at Warwick Forest Nursing Home, shortly after celebrating her 89th birthday.
Joyce was born and raised in Burkeville, Virginia, to Elsie May Spencer and Charles Hugh “Charlie Hugh” Spencer. She was a graduate of Longwood College in Farmville, Virginia, and devoted her life to education and service to others.
Joyce was a lifelong school teacher and, following a long and meaningful career, retired from Kecoughtan High School, where she taught Government. Her passion for teaching extended far beyond the classroom. She established the Youth in Government Program at the YMCA, introducing young people interested in civic leadership to the workings of Virginia state government in Richmond. The program continues to operate today, carrying forward her commitment to educating and inspiring young people.
A woman of deep faith, Joyce was an active and devoted member of Bethany United Methodist Church. For decades, she taught Sunday school to the church’s youngest children, ages three and four. Her love for children—especially babies—was one of the defining joys of her life. She gave generously not only of her time, but also of her gifts, always finding ways to encourage, nurture, and help others.
Joyce shared many happy years with her beloved husband, John Rosser “Jack” Ellingsworth, who preceded her in death. Together they enjoyed traveling and made cherished memories on their yearly summer trips, including journeys to Nova Scotia, Pennsylvania Dutch country, and the Grand Canyon.
She will be lovingly remembered by her son, John Spencer Ellingsworth (Tanya Louise); grandchildren, Elsie Louise, Laurel Pauline and Hugh Rosser. She is also survived by her sister, Shirley Robinson (Doyle); niece, Tracy Robinson, and her son, Michael Holmes; nephew, Scott Robinson (Julie); niece, Catherine Spencer Dail and her children, Cailin and Jordan; and nephew, Charles Hugh Spencer; her late husband’s sister, Paulette Hudgins (Bob); their daughter, Holly Reeves (Brad) and their sons, Owen and Carson; and their son, Kevin Hudgins (Laura) and their son, Kerrigan; her daughter-in-law Tanya’s mother, Rosalea Boyette; brother, Melvin Boyette; sister, Kathy Boyette Watson(John); their daughter, Valerie and Valerie’s children, Johnny, Levi, Nathaniel, and Adalynn. She was preceded in death by her brother, Charles “Buck” Spencer and his son Daryl.
Joyce leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, education, generosity, and service. Those who knew her will remember especially the warmth she showed to children, her delight in babies, her devotion to her students and church, and the countless ways she gave of herself to others. Her influence lives on in the young people she taught, the children she nurtured, the family she cherished, and the many lives she touched throughout her long and meaningful life.
A memorial service celebrating Joyce’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at Bethany United Methodist Church, 1509 Todds Lane, Hampton, Virginia 23666.