Joy Cauldwell

Joy Sloan Cauldwell, 94, from Portsmouth, Virginia, departed this life to enter the Kingdom of Heaven on Thursday, February 5, 2026 in Fishersville, Virginia.

Joy was born in Franklin County, Virginia to Dewey and Delma Sloan on September 30,1931. The Sloan family moved to Portsmouth during World War II to help with the war effort. They made Portsmouth their hometown following the war and continued to raise their family there.

Joy attended Alexander Park School during the war years and graduated from Cradock High School in 1949. She continued her education at Bob Jones University and at The Norfolk Division of the College of William and Mary (O.D.U).

Joy married Bill J. Cauldwell in 1954. Together they raised four children and welcomed many more into their home. As “Ant Jody,” to more nieces and nephews than one could count, as well as a second mom to the kids on Hopi Court, she was the one whose door was ALWAYS OPEN, whose house was always full. She was always ready to serve a meal, provide a bed or comfort and care to those who needed it. Her strong faith sustained her and she passed that faith on to all. Her life, actions, and character were a living testimony to God and salvation through the birth, death, and resurrection through Jesus Christ. She never faltered in her faith and it sustained us all.

During the years that Joy was raising her children; she served as a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts, Pack 213- Den 2, President of the Hodges Manor Elementary School P.T.A. and was awarded a lifetime membership for her many years of dedicated service.

Joy’s faith in God was evidenced in every facet of her life. She served the Lord at Alexander Park Baptist Church, which began in her family’s home during WWII, Highland Park Baptist Church during her years livingin Cradock, and many years of service at Green Lakes Baptist Church, where she served as a long- time choir member, Sunday School teacher for the Willing Workers Class, Women’s Missionary Union Leader, as well as many other church committees.

After raising her children, Joy returned to college and received certifications in medical office administration. She worked for many years in the dialysis unit of Portsmouth General Hospital and later for Davida Dialysis Company as Assistant Department Director following the closing of Portsmouth General. She was an inspiration to the patients and staff during her years in the medical field. Working well into her seventies, Joy finally retired and began traveling with her daughter and many “travel buddies”. She made everything an adventure. She eventually moved to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, where she enjoyed her later years.

Joy was preceded in death by her parents, Dewey and Delma Sloan; her husband of many years, Bill J. Cauldwell; her son, Timothy (Timmy) Cauldwell; two sisters, Berla Sloan Peterson and Jeanelle Sloan Luffman, and a brother, Derl Blayne Sloan Sr.

Joy is survived by her daughters, Beth Cauldwell Moore (David) of Roseland, Virginia and Laura Cauldwell Keirn (Steve) of Fredericksburg; her daughter-in- law, Rene Cauldwell, of Portsmouth; her son, David Cauldwell (Connie) of Hertford, North Carolina; her brother, Gerald Dale Sloan, of Loudoun County (Hamilton), Virginia; as well as seven grandchildren: Daniel Moore, Jessica Moore Kitta, Shawn Cauldwell, Jennifer Cauldwell Garrott, Sydney Stevenson Mellides, Rebecca Stevenson, and Maxwell Stevenson; nine great grandchildren: Kellen, Logan, Braylon, Stella, Sebastian,Tyson, Charlee, Sara, and Hanna. Joy is also survived by many nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly, and she lovingly embraced the role of “Grandma Joy” to so many others.

Momma, thank you for your unwavering love, encouragement and support over so many years. You will always be a part of everyone. We love you and will see you again in Heaven.

A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Green Lakes Baptist Church, 1610 Hodges Ferry Rd., Portsmouth, Virginia. Joy’s family asks that everyone please join them for a visitation and catered luncheon in the church fellowship hall immediately following the service.

The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the entire staff at English Meadows of Fishersville for the love and care they gave to Joy and her family during the time she was there.
Online condolences may be sent to Charlton and Groome Funeral Home at www.charltonandgroomefuneralhome.com. All other forms of condolence (ie. flowers) may be sent to Green Lakes Baptist Church on Friday, February 20th or the morning of Saturday, February 21st