Joyce Ann Willey

Joyce Ann Merkel Willey, 72, of Manassas VA, passed away on December 31st, 2023, unexpectedly relating to diabetic complications. She was born on April 6th, 1951, to Margaret and Arthur Merkel in Bowie Maryland. She was a member of both All Saints and Ascension Catholic Church, as well as a member of the American Horticultural Society. Joyce worked as a Certified Extension Master Gardener (EMG).

Joyce was a cherished mother, sister, and aunt, as well as someone known to spoil her sons’ dogs over her life. She embodied hard work, independence, and being the master of her own destiny. To meet Joyce was to be charmed by her love of creating life through the growing and caring for plants and flowers.

Joyce worked for many years holding numerous positions at Cox Farms, in Centreville VA, before moving on to other gardening centers; it brought satisfaction to her life to actually love the work she was doing by having her hands in the soil daily.

Joyce thrived when active and loved spending time surrounded by her family and their pets both in Manassas, VA, and on the family farm in Bowie Maryland.

She is survived by her sons, David Willey, and Tim Willey; her daughter-in-law, Ashley; her brothers Ernest Merkel, and Jim Merkel; and her sisters-in-law Helene, Stephanie, and Cathy; and many in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Family and friends may visit on Sunday, January 14, 2024, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Robert E. Evans Funeral Home, 16000 Annapolis Road, Bowie, MD, 20715. Interment is private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association DC National Capital Area.