Joyce Shockley

Joyce Harper Shockley, the wife of William E. "Bill" Shockley Jr. and a longtime resident of Seaview, near Cheriton, died Oct. 5 at her home from complications of Parkinson's disease. She was 74. 

Born Jan. 13, 1947, in Norfolk, Virginia, and raised in the city, she was retired from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, where she enjoyed many friendships with co-workers.

She was fully a child of Norfolk and fond of its conveniences, amenities, and anonymity. Rural life on the Eastern Shore gradually grew on her, and she appreciated its beauty, tranquility, and people.  

She was an avid reader, enjoyed crossword puzzles, and was a practiced and talented seamstress. She liked spending time with her family. Her passion was doting on the many Boston Terrier rescue dogs she and her husband saved and raised over the years.

Exacting and straightforward, she had little patience for anything she regarded as slipshod or slapdash. She was famously unwavering in her beliefs and opinions, and was known to question the methods and reasoning of others. During conversations, it was best to be prepared and well-researched.  

She was a lifelong Presbyterian and a member of Holmes Presbyterian Church in Cheriton. 

In addition to her husband of 52 years, she is survived by two sons, W.E. "Ted" Shockley III and his wife, Amy, of Belle Haven, and Thomas H. Shockley and his wife, Pattie, of Seaview. 

She was particularly proud of her grandchildren, McKay, Allison, and Jimmy Shockley, and enjoyed hearing about their successes.  

She was predeceased by her parents, James T. Jr. and Doris S. Harper.  

The family would like to extend its gratitude to Northampton County EMS, Cape Charles Rescue, her in-home caretakers, and everyone else who helped her in the last years of her life.  

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Eastern Shore SPCA, P.O. Box 164, Onley, VA  23418. 

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doughtyfuneralhome.com

Arrangements made by Wilkins-Doughty Funeral Home in Cape Charles, Virginia.

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