Joyce Easley Lavender (5-11-23) service 5-16-23

Joyce Ann Williams Easley Lavender, 72, of Chesapeake, Virginia, formerly of Savannah, passed away on Thursday, May 11. She was born in Savannah on Sept. 8, 1950, to the late Elmer and Robbie Williams.

She was united in marriage to Samuel Scottie Easley on June 7, 1986, who preceded her in death. She was united in marriage to Monty Lavender on Jan. 28, 2023, who survives.

She retired from the Hardin County Health Department after 28 years. She lived her life in service as a member of Sharon Baptist church in Savannah, and Great Bridge Baptist Church in Chesapeake, Virginia. She was active in the music ministry, a Sunday school teacher, and traveled to numerous countries on mission trips.

She is survived by her children, Kristi Denson of Chesapeake, Virginia, and Kelli Mealer (Chris) of Cordova, Tennessee; stepchildren Sheila Cox (Butch) of Savannah, Sammy Easley (Sissy) of Savannah, and Scottina Pickens (Kenny) of Smyrna, Tennessee; grandchildren, Cyrus and Ethan Russo of Chesapeake, Virginia, and Jamison Mealer of Cordova, Tennessee; 12 stepgrandchildren; 15 step great-grandchildren; her brother, Keith Williams, and his wife Annette of Fincastle, Virginia; and nephew, Clayton Williams (Ann) of Fincastle, Virginia. They will all cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her sister Gail Williams and stepdaughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Roger Burns.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution can be made to Sharon Baptist Church General Fund or Missionary Fund.

Memorial services were held on Tuesday, May 16, at Sharon Baptist Church in Savannah. Burial followed at Memory Gardens in Savannah.