Joyce A. Atkins Jackson

Joyce A. Atkins Jackson 82, died surrounded by family, July 17, 2024. She was born in Marion, VA. She was the oldest daughter to Margaret A. Atkins and Francis N. Atkins. Raised in Blacksburg, VA, she attended RPI and Virginia Tech, where she met and married David Windsor Jackson, from Winchester, VA. Together they made a brave move to Suffield, CT. She would later return to VPI to complete her bachelor’s degree in Geology while raising 3 children, then move back to reside in West Hartford for most of her life.

Easily recognized by one of her many hats of orange, red, purple, brown, or turquoise, those who knew Joyce, knew she wore many other hats as well. She was an avid volunteer, active in local politics, the Greater Hartford Sierra Club, St. James Episcopal Church-West Hartford, Huxley Institute-West Hartford, and many other organizations. She also assisted with costume designs for local schools and Albano Ballet. She loved sewing, counted cross stitch, was a great baker, cookbook editor and publisher, and enjoyed cooking for her family and friends. Joyce loved hosting an annual Christmas Eve party, where her famous mint brownies were the star of the show. She could also be found canoeing, camping, enjoying the arts, Opera, and Jazz, as well as chasing hot air balloons and rainbows.

She loved to spoil her many dogs, cats, and birds over the years and rescued many animals working in conjunction with the West Hartford Science Museum, including squirrels, rabbits, and raccoons.

Her greatest “hat” was being a mother and raising her family. She is survived by daughter, Margaret (Midge) A. Portonova (Frank Portonova); son, Christopher Jackson (Silvia Anghel) and daughter, Barbara G. Hall (Edward Hall). She was Nana “J” to her grandchildren, Haley Guite, Paige Pontacoloni (Jonathan Pontacoloni), Mark Humphrey-Toung (Thao Humphrey-Toung), Ryan Humphrey, Aidan Humphrey; great-grandchildren, Cayden, Aria, Jackson, and Jonny. Additionally, Joyce is survived by her beloved sister, Charlotte Atkins and brother-in-law Ernest Bryant of Floyd, VA and many extended cousins from the Cornett Clan, whom she loved dearly. Joyce was a great connector of people and will be missed by many dear friends.

Funeral services and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, the family requests donations be made to a charity of your choice. The D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, Wethersfield has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements. To share a memory of Joyce, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com

Joyce would wish for all of us to remember, “This too shall pass! Look for the rainbows!”