Obituary

“A Heart so Kind, A Spirit so Gentle: To Know her was to be Loved.”

“Joyce Caroly Spruill”

Our hearts are heavy for our beloved mother, granny, great-granny, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, and Matriarch, who transitioned to glory on October 23, 2025, at the lovely age of eighty-one at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, OH.

A Life of Dedication and Kindness

Joyce “Carolyn” Spruill, the daughter of the late William H Spruill and Mildred Morring, a native of Norfolk, VA (Liberty Park), whose kindness touched every life she encountered. She was the heart of the family who held us all together through every season of life. She used her gift and passion of cooking that provided her joy in bringing everyone together in love, peace, and unity, especially during her Family, Friends and Neighbor Cookouts that became a cherished tradition for everyone. She poured her heart into everything, always giving and never asking for anything in return. She was always generous with her time, wisdom, and her love.

Family and Legacy

Joyce “Carolyn” Spruill is survived by her two loving sons, Richard (Sharon) and Mark Jernigan, a devoted brother William Earl Spruill (Florence), two sisters Sheila Spruill and Mary Jenkins (Melvin), eight  grandchildren Aaron Jernigan, Richard Jernigan, Christian Jernigan, Chantler Jernigan, Zion Jernigan, Markevia Jernigan, Shontavia Granberry and Mahogony Burke, eleven great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, who will forever carry her spirit, strength and joy within their hearts.

Farewell and Remembrance 

Carolyn’s laughter is the melody that will fuel our memories, her faith is the foundation that will keep us strong, and her presence will forever be with us in the stories we tell around the meals and gatherings we share, and the love we continue to give just as she taught us. Her life will serve as a lamp and a light for us. 

Joyce “Carolyn” Spruill’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 12:00 pm at Mount Gilead Missionary Baptist Church, 1057 Kennedy St. Norfolk, VA 23513.

Isaiah 66:13 “As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.”