Marlene Joyce Scherer, 81, of Gloucester, VA, was welcomed to heaven by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, May 20, 2024, at her home with family after a long illness of vascular dementia over which she has now become the victor, her hope and peace being in the Glory of God’s providence of eternal life through His Son, Jesus. “Truly, those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength… they shall mount up with wings as eagles…..They shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

Joyce was born to Tyree Watson and Dorothy in Bedford, VA, on November 4, 1942.

Joyce married the love of her life, James William Scherer, on June 19, 1960, and together, they were the loving parents of three daughters. They spent nearly 47 years happily together until Jimmy went to heaven on March 13, 2007. Now reunited, they are together forever.

Joyce loved spending time with family and friends. Her home was where we gathered to share holidays, celebrations, and meals prepared with love. Her true treasure was a love for others. Every day for Joyce was another chance to pour God’s love into the world, and we became better for it. Her example is a gift to pass on.

Joyce worked as a manager for Kings Department Store in Newport News for almost 16 years, and she was the manager for Shulman’s Men’s Store in New Market Mall; she received many awards from both companies for outstanding professionalism. She owned Joyce’s Thrift Shop on Rt. 17 and Originals by Joyce in Zuni. Joyce loved ceramics; her creations were handcrafted and hand-painted, and she won many prizes. She loved traveling, making crafts, flea markets, frogs and she enjoyed the performing arts and musicals.

Joyce volunteered for many years at the Virginia Living Museum in Newport News, connecting visitors with the wonders of nature. At election time, Joyce was happy to greet and assist voters as they cast their ballots.

Joyce was a faithful Newington Baptist Church member, serving the Lord with a joyful heart. For many years, she served in various roles, including Greeter, teaching Sunday School, serving on the Stewardship Committee, the Disaster Relief Team and was the Adult Ministry Visitation Coordinator. In the wonderful name of Jesus, her labor of love included many mission trips, visiting shut-ins and praying with them, serving on the Samaritans Purse Operation Christmas Child team, and working with the Food Packing program. Joyce was pleased to serve on the Mission Council and as President of the VIP’s. She was always ready and willing to help. Joyce assisted in the Clothes Closet ministry program, serving thousands of families and many organizations. She volunteered on the committee that published the third Newington Cookbook. Its pages contain many scriptures for “Spiritual Food” and wonderful recipes. Joyce attended annual meetings with the Mid-Tidewater Baptist Association and the Baptist General Association of Virginia. She was a dedicated member of WMU, Leader of the Harner Group, and served as secretary.

“For we are laborers together with God” 1 Corinthians 3:9.
Joyce was truly….. Blessed in His Marvelous Service.

She shared many good times with family and friends while studying the Bible at The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove.

Joyce’s sense of humor and beautiful smile will be missed greatly by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her two sisters, Brenda Wilson and Cheryl Lloyd.

Joyce is survived by her three daughters, Cindy, Joy, and Annette, and her three grandchildren, Sarah, Ben, and Travis.

It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn’t go alone, For part of us went with you The day God took you home into His Presence.

A Celebration of Life/Memorial will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Newington Baptist Church at 1:00, presided by Pastor Mike Gray and Pastor Chris Grella. Please join the family in the Newington Fellowship Hall downstairs following the Memorial for a time of sharing and refreshments.

In Lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made to Newington Baptist Church in memory of Joyce Scherer.

Private Interment at Peninsula Memorial Park, officiated by Pastor Jim Evans.