AHOSKIE – Joyce Taylor Vann, 89, passed away suddenly at her home on Hall Siding Road on Wednesday, June 11, 2014.

She was born in Hertford County to the late Linton Yancey “Jack” and Rosabelle Phillips Taylor. Along with her parents she was preceded in death by her beloved aunt Ethel Taylor; her husband of 61 years, Richard Vann; and a sister, Louise Cummings.

Joyce is survived by her daughter, Loretta Hieronimus (Ray); granddaughter, Wendi Christopher (Willis), and great grandson, Tyler Christopher. She is also survived by her sisters, Emerald Dahl, Rebecca Askew, Sally Beamon, Iris Johnson (Charlie), and Amy Harp (Wayne); a brother, Len Taylor; and her extended family Simon, Kim, Ben, and Olivia Chacham.

She loved to paint, make cards, collect elephants and go on senior trips. All her neighbors, friends and relatives knew how much she loved flowers and plants. She was a long time member of Hertford County Extension Club and always enjoyed going to the meetings.

But above all else, her family was her true love. She always looked forward to everyone being together at holidays, especially Christmas. She also loved having the family visit and always wanted to see their latest pictures.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Joann Hunter and the staff of Home Life Care for their care and compassion.

A Celebration of Life service will be Saturday, June 14, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service Chapel, Ahoskie, with the Rev. Paul Edwards officiating. Visitation will be Saturday, June 14, 2014 at 10:00 a.m., one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the Vann Family Cemetery, Ahoskie.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to Hertford County EMS, PO Box 479, Winton, NC 27986.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service will be handling the arrangements for the Vann family and online condolences may be directed to them by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.