Joyce Ann Brown Tucker, 79, of Covington, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 19, 2026, at LewisGale Hospital–Alleghany in Low Moor, surrounded by her family.

She was born, January 21, 1946, in Johnson County, NC, a daughter of the late Herbert and Susie Lucille Edwards Brown. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ransom E. Tucker; a granddaughter, Stephanie Smith; and seven brothers and sisters.

Joyce devoted 35 years of her life to WVJT, serving faithfully as the bookkeeper and becoming an essential part of the organization’s daily operations. She continued in that role until her death, a testament to her deep commitment and sense of responsibility. Beyond her long career, she gave generously of her time as a volunteer at LewisGale-Alleghany Hospital for many years, always eager to lend a hand wherever needed. Joyce truly enjoyed helping others, and that quiet, selfless spirit defined much of who she was. An avid reader, she found joy in the pages of a good book, but nothing mattered more to her than family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose warmth and devotion left an indelible mark on everyone she held dear.

Survivors include her daughter, Debra Langford and her husband, Robert, of Elgin, OK; one son, Wayne Sweeney, Jr. and his wife, Carol of Suffolk; two grandchildren, Justin Shaw of Mustang, OK and Candice Tuzzo of Chesapeake; two great-grandchildren, Adriana Barilla and Kaiden Barilla, both of Virginia Beach; one brother, William Brown and his wife, Debbie of Chesapeake and Linda Marshall of Virginia Beach; and several nieces and nephews.

In keeping with her wishes, her body has been cremated.

A private memorial service is planned for a later date.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff in the ICU unit at LewisGale-Alleghany Hospital.

The family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Boiling Springs Fire and Rescue Department, 5407 Potts Creek Road, Covington, Virginia 24426. 

Arritt Funeral Home has been entrusted with overseeing her arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at arrittfuneralhome.com.