Joyce Anne (Bartley) Layman gracefully left this life on November 16, 2014, surrounded by her loving family. She valiantly braved cancer for almost two and a half years. She was 71.
Joyce was born on October 8, 1943 in McKeesport PA, the only daughter of the late Henry Grafton and Virginia (Barnhardt) Bartley. She graduated from Wilson Memorial High School (Fishersville, VA) in 1961 and received her BA in Secondary Education, majoring in both History and Social Science from Longwood College, in January 1965.
Joyce began teaching that same January at Robert E. Lee High School in Staunton, VA, teaching U.S. Government. That fall she moved to Shelburne Middle School, where she spent the remainder of her 34 year career, teaching American History, World History and World Geography. Mrs. Layman touched hundreds of students with her passion for teaching. Even those she didnt directly teach were treated to her spirited lessons and echoing voice through the upper hall of Shelburne. She was very involved with the schools yearbook, the National Honor Society and was Chairman of the Social Studies Department for 30 years.
Joyces passion for teaching was rivaled only by her love for her family. She married L. Allen Layman on April 9, 1966. They resided in Augusta County, VA until 2008 when they moved to Lake Frederick, VA to be closer to their daughters.
In addition to Allen, Joyce is survived by two daughters, Kendra Layman and Wendy Carter; two sons-in-law Mike Grabowski and Adam Carter; and three beautiful granddaughters, Bryn Elizabeth, Coblie Elise and Laiken Victoria Grabowski; all of Frederick County, VA.
As much as she loved being a teacher, Joyces heart was most evident when she was spending time with her granddaughters who knew her as Grammy. They are three special gifts that she treasured and who gave her great comfort in her last days.
Joyce was an avid reader, enjoyed tending to her many flower gardens and much to Allens dismay, rescuing multiple cats. She was a lifelong member of Faith Lutheran Church in Staunton.
Joyce was so very grateful for her amazing team of doctors and their staff. Most notably Dr. William Houck, III and the staff at Shenandoah Oncology as well as Dr. Wang and his staff at UVA. The wonderful treatment she received allowed her to thrive during her fight against cancer.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at Coffman Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, November 20, 2014 in the Coffman Funeral Home Chapel by Pastor Joann Bunn.
Burial will follow at Augusta Memorial Park, Waynesboro.
Active pallbearers will be Adam Carter, Mike Grabowski, Dr. Larry Evans, Mason Smith, Roger Propes, Paul Vames and Chris Wilkerson.
Honorary pallbearers will be her former colleagues and students.
In lieu of flowers, Joyce would like donations made to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 West Cork Street, Winchester VA 22601 or Esther L. Boyd Animal Shelter, 161 Fort Collier Rd, Winchester VA 22603.
Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive, Staunton is in charge of her arrangements.