Joyce Anne Schad Bowling passed away at Westminster-Canterbury Retirement Community in Lynchburg on Tuesday, June 7, 2022. She suffered from dementia and related health problems that necessitated nursing care assistance.
She was born on Jan. 26, 1940, in Richmond to Joseph A. Schad and Eleanora Anne Jewett, both of Syracuse, NY. She was the older sister of Joan Schad Lewis Marshall. Joyce was married to Carmen R. Bowling until his death in 1977.
She is survived by her sister, Joan; a stepdaughter, Lyn Bowling Nutt (Luke); a grandson, Rick; nieces Anne Arrington Jones and Sandra Nelson Morgan; great-nieces and great-nephews Hayley and Bryce Jones, Nelson A. Morgan (Arielle), Rachael Morgan, and Easton Morgan-Moomaw, along with many cousins and friends and her lifelong (since third grade) friend, Peggy Skinner Morgan. Two new family members, Rick Marshall and Sheryl Melanbacher, also survive. Joyce had no children.
She grew up in Blacksburg where she attended public schools, graduating high school in 1957. She also attended Virginia Tech as a special student (students who were taking classes as non-degree). She earned all A’s. A veteran, she served in the United States Navy for two years. She received an honorable discharge and returned to the Blacksburg area where she lived the remainder of her life except for the past few months.
In the early 70’s, Joyce worked for Rivendell, a place for troubled youth. She managed the Piedmont Condominiums in Blacksburg for many years. She also volunteered at a suicide hot line and volunteered as a poll worker for the Democrat Party.
Her longest period of service was for the Humane Society of Montgomery County. Anyone who knew Joyce knew she loved cats. It was said she rescued half the cats in Blacksburg and fed the other half. She loved playing sports and played on softball, soccer, and rugby teams in Blacksburg. She also loved to run marathons and 10K’s. Even though she did not start running until she was 40 years old, she brought home several ribbons and trophies. She was a voracious reader.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at the McCoy Funeral Home, 150 Country Club Drive S.W, Blacksburg. A reception will be held following the service at Lefty’s Main Street Grille, 1410 S. Main St., Blacksburg. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Montgomery County.
