11/03/06 - NNHS Newsletter - Joyce Whitmer Stepp
Joyce Ray Whitmer Stepp
(@1938 - 29 Oct 2006)
Newport News High School Class of 1956
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11/03/06 - NNHS Newsletter - Joyce Whitmer Stepp
Joyce Ray Whitmer Stepp Newport News High School Class of 1956 |
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Dear Friends and Schoolmates,
| Sad news continues to arrive. |
From Carolyn Simpson Knight ('56) of VA - 11/03/06 - Death of Joyce Ray Whitmer
Stepp"":
| Hi
Carol, In the Tuesday, October 31st edition of the Daily Press, the death of Joyce Ray Whitmer Stepp was listed. |
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| Joyce
was a member of the NNHS 1956 class, a terrific girls basketball player and
was very active in girls sports. She played on the NN Recreation Team called
the “Reckers” as a guard, back in the “old days when girls had to play half
court”. The only picture of her that I could find was in the 1954 edition of
the Anchor, in the 10th grade class photo. Carolyn Simpson Knight Class of 1956 NNHS |
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| Tuesday, October 31, 2006 | |||
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Thank you so much for telling us, Carolyn. |
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| Sunday, July 4, 1982 |
Christmastime - Joyce Whitmer
Stepp and her Family |
Robin Linkous (1973 - 22 Oct 2006) and Joyce Whitmer Stepp | Joyce Whitmer Stepp | ||
| Courtesy of the Daily Press via Joyce's Sister-in-Law, Anita Whitmer of VA | |||||
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From the Daily Press - 10/31/06: |
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| Joyce Ray
Whitmer Stepp |
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| NEWPORT
NEWS - Joyce Ray Whitmer Stepp, 68, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, Oct.
29, 2006. A lifelong Newport News resident, she was a member of Parkview
Baptist Church. Known as 'Ommy' to her family and friends, she had a love
for playing the guitar and music, fishing and studying Native American
history, but most of all, her greatest love was her children and
grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret and James
Lewis Whitmer. Survivors include her daughter, Jodie Stepp Jones of Green
Sea, S.C.; two sons, Pat Stepp and wife, Denise of Newport News and Kelly
Stepp and wife, Kelly Meadows Stepp of Newport News; four grandchildren,
Toby Stepp, Cody Jones, Damian Jones and Russell Stepp; two sisters, Barbara
Pittman and Carol Lee Dodge, both of Newport News and two brothers, Jimmy
Whitmer, Jr. of Newport News and Johnny Whitmer of Goochland, Va. The family
will receive friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2, 2006 at Peninsula
Funeral Home. Burial will be private. Memorial donations may be made to the
S.P.C.A., 523 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601. Published in the Daily Press on 810/31/2006. Guest Book |
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DEAR PAT, I AM SORRY ABOUT YOUR MOM. I DON'T KNOW IF YOU REMEMBER ME OR NOT MY NAME IS DEBBIE, MY MOTHER'S NAME WAS MARCIE SPRUILL. I REMEMBER YOUR MOM WAS ALWAYS FUNNY AND SO WERE YOU. SHE WAS THE NICEST LADY. |
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DEBORAH WEST
(NEWPORT NEWS, VA) - October 31, 2006 Contact me |
| Joyce "Ommy" will be remembered, as we share her stories and memories of her life and how very much she meant to all of us. May we all find comfort during this difficult time by remembering her wonderful zest for life, her beautiful smile and those warm blue eyes, that were so full of love. May we find peace in the promise that life is everlasting and we will be with her again, laughing and rejoicing together. Heart to Hearts, and peace to her dear ones. |
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Ginny Thayer
(Williamsburg, VA )
- October 31, 2006 Contact me |
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THE STEPP FAMILY, I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED YOUR MOTHER AS WELL AS ALL OF YOU. PAT, DENISE, JODI, AND KELLY. I KNOW HOW MUCH YOU ALL LOVED AND WILL MISS YOUR MOTHER AS WELL AS EVERYONE WHO KNEW HER. SHE WAS A SPECIAL WOMAN TO A LOT OF US, I WILL FEEL AS IF A PART OF MY FAMILY IS GONE, WE HAVE A LOT OF OLD MEMORIES IN OUR LIVES, PLEASE KNOW MY HEART AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU ALL. THREASA & BUDDY HUDGINS (BURR) |
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THREASA & BUDDY HUDGINS
(NEWPORT NEWS, VA )
- October 31, 2006
Contact me |
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To Jodie & Family: I am sorry for your lost of your dear loved one. A Mother's Love is forever. May God watch over all of you. (I went to school with Jodie throughout elementary school, and high school). Stay blessed, Lena (Moore) Wilson & Family |
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Lena (Moore) Wilson
- October 31, 2006 |
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The last time I saw Joyce, she
was smiling. I grew up seeing her at family gatherings, and I always looked
forward to her sparkling eyes and playful sense of humor. She was loving and
strong. I'll remember her that way. Love, Bennie |
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Ben Whitmer (Sugar
Land, TX )
- October 31, 2006 Contact me |
| I loved Joyce and spent a lifetime sharing moments of both joy and sorrow with her. She and I had a special bond that grew over the years. She loved the American Indian culture and often spoke with me about the great sprit within all of us. I know she is with that sprit now! |
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Bob Linkous Jr.
(Hampton, VA )
- October 31, 2006
Contact me |
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We all loved Joyce
unconditionally. She was always there for anyone's need, the first one there
and last to leave. I will miss her phone calls with "Hello Darling" as her
greeting. We have wonderful memories of family gatherings and we could always count on Joyce to be the "life of the party". Pat, Kelly and Jodie, your mother loved you so much and was so proud of all of you. Be strong, she is at peace and you will see her again in heaven. I will miss her. love, |
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Vicki Sterling
(Newport News, VA )
- October 31, 2006
Contact me |
| I do not know anyone that loved her family more than Joyce did, especially her children. Pat, Kelly and Jodi----your mother thought the sun rose and set in all of you. She adored her grandchildren, sisters and brothers. I remember Joyce when I was a child and how excited my family was when she was visiting our farm. She was like a breath of fresh air. As an adult I moved to Newport News and she made me feel loved and at home here. I will carry her in my heart always. Joyce was a very special, loving, interesting lady with sparkling eyes and a beautiful laugh that always made you smile. She will be missed here, but The Lord has her in his hands and I am sure even in Heaven she is like a breath of fresh air. |
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Cathy Colbert
(Newport News, VA )
- October 31, 2006
Contact me |
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Pat and Jodie, May peace and serenity be with you now and always. Joyce's smile and laugh will always be remembered. |
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Anita Whitmer
(Goochland, VA )
- October 31, 2006
Contact me |
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Pat, Kelly and Jodi, I am so saddened to learn of the passing of your Momma. I have been reading the tributes on this guest book about her sparkling eyes and great sense of humor and that is how I remember her also. Joyce used to make me laugh so hard and brightened my day. I would have never made it through four years of the Shipyard without her. I have the most wonderful memories of us going out to lunch everyday and cutting up. She was always telling me funny stories about stuff you guys did. Years ago, Joyce gave me a little pewter cat that I have sitting on a shelf. Even though I have not seen her in years, I have thought of her so often when I see that little trinket. Your mother left you a great legacy, the gift of love and laughter. I will truly treasure my memories of Joyce. Much love to all of you. |
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Donna Daniel
Ferrell (Hampton, VA ) - November 2, 2006 Contact me |
| Joyce was a good friend who loved kids and always made people laugh. She was a good friend to animals and especially to her beloved Poco or Pooh, who I am sure will miss her like the rest of us. I miss her in my own life! My kids will also miss a dear friend. We all can be assured we will see her again |
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Mary Nelson
(Newport News, VA ) - November 2, 2006 |
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Pat, Denise, Kelly & Jodi I am so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. Joyce was a big part of my life and for years helped me get through the hardest times. I will never forget the love she showed myself and my children Mandy and Cody. Joyce will live forever in the so many happy memories she has left us with. My hearts go out to you all along with much love. |
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Janie Gilbert-Hunsucker
(Claremont, NC ) - November
3, 2006 Contact me |
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Dear Pat,Kelly and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of your dear mother. She was truly a wonderful person and a friend to all. She will be missed by everyone who knew her as she was loved by many. Know that she is in a better place watching over you still. |
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Susan Bradley-Burnett (Newport
News, VA ) - November
3, 2006 |
| Jodi, Pat and Kelly, it has been years since I have seen or talked to any of you. I'm not even sure if you remember me or not, but I wanted to tell you all how very sorry I am for your loss. I am really sorry too that I never had the chance to tell your Mother "thank you', thank you for all the years she piled me in the car with the rest of you and took me to cheerleading, thank you for the countless times she fed me, for showing me how to shell butter beans. I cant even begin to cover everything your mother did for me. With out her I wouldn't have had a clue what a mother was supposed to be like. The love she gave me as a child is something I have cherished my whole life, that kind of love never goes away. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. |
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Cynthia Dean
(Williamsburg, VA ) - November
4, 2006 Contact me |
Our deepest sympathies are extended to Joyce's family and friends.
This information is also posted here:
http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/memoriam-all.html
http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/memoriam56.html
Y'all take extra good care of each other! TYPHOONS FOREVER!
Love to all, Carol
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NNHS CLASS OF '65 WEB SITE:
http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com
PERSONAL WEB SITE:
http://www.angelfire.com/weird2/cluckmeat
==============================================
Carol Buckley
Harty
219 Four Ply Lane
Fayetteville, NC 29311-9305
910-488-9408
I Will Arise
Lyrics by Joseph Hart in Hymns Composed on Various Subjects (1759);
Music, "Arise", from William Walker's Southern Harmony and Musical Companion (1835)
1. Come, ye sinners, poor and
wretched,
Weak and wounded, sick and sore;
Jesus ready stands to save you,
Full of pity joined with pow'r.
Refrain: I will arise and
go to Jesus,
He will embrace me in His arms;
In the arms of my dear Savior,
O there are ten thousand charms.
2. Come, ye needy, come, and welcome,
God's free bounty glorify;
True belief and true repentance,
Every grace that brings you nigh.
Refrain
3. Come, ye weary, heavy laden,
Bruised and broken by the fall;
If you tarry till you're better,
You will never come at all.
Refrain
4. Let not conscience make you linger,
Nor of fitness fondly dream;
All the fitness He requireth
Is to feel your need of Him.
Refrain
"I Will
Arise" midi (Sequenced by
Ron Getman)
courtesy of
http://www.geocities.com/rgetman/hymns_list.htm
- 03/13/06
"I Will Arise" lyrics courtesy of http://grace-for-today.com/2368.htm - 03/13/06
Blackwork Flowers Divider Line clip art courtesy of http://www.bravenet.com - 08/12/04
Greg Olsen Paintings courtesy of http://gregolsengallery.com – 03/15/05