Joy Hess Beaman
Joy Hess Beaman, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and community member, passed away peacefully with all children present on July 31, 2025, in Dayton, VA, at the age of 75. Born in Harrisonburg, VA, Joy was a proud member of the Turner Ashby High School Class of 1968, a 4-H All-Star, and a Virginia Polled Hereford Queen. Joy attended Averett University and earned an Associate of Science Degree from Virginia Western Community College.
She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Wayne D. Beaman, with whom she shared a lifelong partnership that began with their first date following Wayne's 1969 return from serving with the Marine Corps in Vietnam. Their marriage was the beginning of a rich and fulfilling life together, where they lived in several different cities throughout Virginia and Texas.
Joy is also survived by her children: Scott Beaman of Vinton, VA; Nancy Beaman Banks (Kevin Banks) of San Antonio, TX, and their children, Patrick, Greta, and Libby; and Andrew Beaman (Kristen Beaman) of Austin, TX. She is also survived by her mother, Nancy Hess Carr, and stepfather, Leroy Carr, of Harrisonburg; and her brother, Gary Hess (Lynne Hess), also of Harrisonburg.
Joy's grandchildren - Madison, McKenna Beaman-Widener (Dylan Widener), and Maddox Beaman (Scott's children); Reagan Banks (daughter of Nancy and Kevin); and Austin and Wyatt Beaman (sons of Andrew and Kristen) - were the joy of her life and the source of endless pride.
Joy was preceded in death by her father, Nelson L. Hess, and is mourned deeply by the many family members and friends who were touched by her generous and loving spirit.
Joy's life was marked by her deep passion for antiques, real estate, genealogy, and travel, as well as her love of photography, birding, fashion, and gardening. She was also an entrepreneur, as the founder of "The Wardrobe," a clothing store she owned and operated in Vinton. Her sharp sense of style and warm personality made a lasting impression on all who met her. She was also an award-winning photographer and took great pride in capturing the beauty of the world around her as well as photographing her loving family.
Joy was a devoted member of Victory Fellowship Church, Dayton, VA, where she was actively involved and gave her time to serve others. She was a loyal fan and volunteer of the Rockingham County Baseball League, Clover Hill Bucks. She was also a dedicated member of The Red Hats Society and enjoyed the fellowship and support of her Red Hat Twisted Sisters. Above all else, she cherished her family and was a loving and dedicated mother to her children and a doting grandmother to her grandchildren, who lovingly called her "Meema."
Generosity and selflessness defined Joy's life. She immediately jumped into action when she was made aware of friends, family members, and strangers in need, going above and beyond to provide assistance and comfort. There was no task too great, even raising a grandchild as her own during what should have been hers and Wayne's "empty nest" years. She never complained or pondered the impact on herself as it was simply her nature and her passion to give of herself.
Her greatest legacy is the love and care she poured into her family, her church, and her community. A compassionate volunteer and devoted grandmother, she also possessed the creative vision to restore Wayne's childhood home, "Dusty Acres," in rural Dayton. There, surrounded by their beloved Mennonite Community - many of whom are her relatives - she and Wayne shared their remaining years with their loyal dogs, Marshal and Nelson, and their kitty, Opp.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Victory Fellowship Church or a charity of choice.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate nurses and staff at the University of Virginia Medical Center for their gentle, loving care during Joy's illness. They were truly angels to her.
Joy's memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her - her unbreakable spirit, her warmth, her grace, and her unwavering love will never be forgotten.
A Celebration of Joy's Life will begin with a visitation at Victory Fellowship Church from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Victory Fellowship Church, with Pastor Tim McAvoy officiating. A luncheon will take place at Victory Fellowship Church following the service.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Sangerville Church of the Brethren Cemetery with Pastor Tim McAvoy officiating.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at johnsonfs.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson Funeral and Cremation Service in Bridgewater, Virginia.
