THE STORY of  JOYCE MUZZETTA BONNER

Author, Brian Falkner once said, "Life is a book with good and bad chapters." As you flip through the pages you'll find love, suspense, heartache, and joy; moments forever cherished by loved ones and family.

Joyce Muzzetta Bonner's story began on February 13, 1948, the daughter of Irene Virginia Price and Frank James.

Joyce attended Caroline County Public Schools in Bowling Green, Virginia. After leaving school, she was blessed with two sons, Ricky and Jabar. She expressed to her brother Justin; that she'd always wished to have two sons and that they'd excel in life; especially in education and athletics. In 1975, she was baptized at Ebenezer Church of our Lord Jesus Christ, in Richmond, Virginia where she became a member.

As a child, Joyce loved singing and dancing with her brothers. Although she couldn't carry a tune, she found great joy in music and assisted Justin and Nestea with writing and introducing ideas for songs. Joyce was even credited with assisting in some of the lyrics for Justin's first album, I've Been Crying Again, on the TCS Record label. During the album's recording, Joyce accompanied him to Philadelphia, PA and was instrumental in connecting him with good musicians for the sound recordings.

As for her interests, Joyce enjoyed sewing for the community, once making dresses for an entire wedding. Whenever someone needed a zipper fixed or an outfit altered, Joyce was always available. She also loved to cook. Preparing rice pudding, potato salad, and macaroni and cheese for her nieces and nephews. Her joy of cooking carried over into her professional career with employment as a cook and waitress at Aunt Sarah's Pancake House, Truck Stop of America, and the Waffle House. Joyce was also a state certified medical technician. She worked in the medical profession for over 30 years serving the mentally ill population at the facilities of her brother Justin, and son, Jabar; again, preparing delicious meals for the clients.

Joyce was a serious person, but she was so serious it could be comical at times because of her outspoken personality. She would keep you on edge because you never knew what she would say next. Joyce believed fatback was the miracle cure for any ailment. If you were experiencing pain, she'd say, "Slap some fatback on it." And if you've ever spoken with her, the conversation was peppered by many "Joyceisms."

For example, when Joyce was surprised or liked something you said, she'd say, "42 cents!" When you would say, "Oh boy," she'd reply, "Oh girl." If you said, "Oh well," she'd ask, "How deep?" If you told Joyce about a problem, and there didn't seem to be a solution, she would say, "Jack told Helen, ain't no tellin." And when she was pleased with something you've said, she'd remark, "You a bad motor scooter!"

Joyce's story ended on December 9, 2023; however, the memories of her will live on, passed from generation to generation. Joyce is survived by her children, Ricky (Gayle) Price, Jabar (Tatia) Shabazz; grandchildren, Jamall (Javon) Minor, Richelle Price, Ricky Price, Jr., aunt, Lucy (Eddie) Sawyer, uncle, Earl (Joyce) Price, great-grandkids, Jamia Minor, Jayce Minor, Laniyah Ginger, and Kori Murray; brothers, Justin (Catherine) Morris, Maurice, Alphonso, Ben and Charles; sisters, Chris and Cynthia; and a host of other family and friends. Joyce is predeceased by mother, Virginia Morris and father Frank James; brothers, Kenneth "Nestea" Morris and Kevin; sisters, Janice Carter, Gertha James, Cathy, Veronica, Donna, Susie and Claudia; uncles, Richard Price and Carlton Price.