Joyce Miller Forrest

Joyce Miller Forrest, 84, passed away peacefully at home on February 22nd surrounded by her family.  She was born in Hampton and proud to be a Hampton High School “Crabber” graduate as well as a long-time resident of Poquoson for almost 60 years.  Family was everything to Joyce, with her best days spent baking and having everyone over to eat and play games.   She was also an avid sports fan, and brought her kids up cheering on the Washington Redskins.  Her favorite sporting events were anything her children or grandchildren were playing and she rarely, if ever, missed a game. 

After graduating from Hampton High, Joyce attended James Madison and Emory and Henry College.  She was a devoted wife and mother and a homemaker for many years.  Joyce also retired from Fort Monroe in 1990 after more than 20 years of federal civil service.  She was a one of a kind grandmother with a one of a kind name. Mamouse (yes the spelling is correct) retired early so she could babysit her first grandchild and spent the next 20 years helping to raise all four of her grandchildren.

Joyce’s faith made her who she was.  She was a devoted member of the United Methodist Church and spent most of her life as a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Poquoson.  She was also a long time member of the Agnes Carmines Circle at Trinity.  Many people will remember Joyce for the time she volunteered supporting the youth of Poquoson as a member of the PTA, Sunday school teacher, pre-school teacher, and Methodist youth leader.  

Joyce is preceded in rest by her father and mother, Albert and Fairy Miller of Hampton, and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Beamon and Dorothy Forrest of Poquoson as well as many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, B.T. Forrest; her sister Gloria McGhee; her children Tammy Swofford and Taylor Forrest (Melissa); her grandchildren Leighann Hickman (Trevor), Joe Swofford (Rachel), Sarah Forrest, and Michael Forrest (Ciara); her great grandchild Carter Hickman; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Family and friends are invited to join in a celebration of life service for Joyce at Trinity United Methodist Church in Poquoson on Saturday, February 27th at 11:00 am. 

Memorial contributions to the Poquoson Volunteer Fire Department, Trinity United Methodist Church, or your favorite charity are encouraged in lieu of flowers.

Arrangements and heartfelt guidance through Claytor Rollins Funeral Home. Online condolences to claytorrollins.com.

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