Joyce Ann Rickey, 91

Joyce Ann Rickey, 91, of West Portsmouth, died Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Resthaven Rehab and Skilled Care. She was born November 23, 1934, in Vinton, Virginia, to the late Roy Ratliff and Meddie (Bowles) Kitts.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Homer Rickey Jr.; her second husband, Richard Rickey; a daughter, Beverly Rickey Schyler; two brothers, Robert Bowles and K.O. Kitts Jr.; and a stepson, Patrick Rickey.

Joyce spent more than 20 years working at Patterson’s Paper Box. Later, while living in Louisiana, she worked at McDonald’s until her retirement.

She had a special way of showing love, not always through words and laughter, but through the things she did for others. One of the ways she expressed that love was through her baking and cooking. The hands that prepared meals, comforted loved ones, and cared so freely are now at peace. Her memory will live on in the stories we tell, the meals we prepare, the kindness we show others, and especially in every warm biscuit and bowl of gravy that reminds us of her.

Joyce is survived by her son, Keith Rickey; two sisters, Frances Leguire and Carolyn Bishop; grandchildren, Michelle (Jonathon) Kearns, Heather (Christopher) Rachford, and Monica (Mike) Inthavong; six great-grandchildren; a special niece, Dawn Myers-Johnson, and her children, Shawna and Peyton; many other nieces and nephews; and longtime very special friends, Charlie and Thelma Combs.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the caring staff at Resthaven Rehab and Skilled Care for the kindness and loving care they provided, along with SOMC Hospice, who provided comfort and support during the final part of her life.

Funeral services will be held at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Calvary Baptist Church, 2306 Waller Street, Portsmouth, Ohio, with Dr. Ryan Brown officiating. Friends may call at the church from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday. Following services, Joyce will make her final journey back home to Virginia, where she will be laid to rest.

Services are under the care of the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth.

Condolences may be sent to www.rogerwdavisfuneralhome.com.