Joyce Ann Pearson Blackwell

Legacy of Love Joyce Ann Pearson Blackwell was born in Knoxville, Tennessee on February 17, 1946, to Thomas R. Sr., and Flora Pearson. She grew up as a military dependent and attended elementary through 9th grade in various countries worldwide including the United States, France, and Germany. She attended Austin High School in Knoxville and graduated from Knoxville College with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha, Gamma ETA Chapter while in attendance. Her professional career began almost immediately after graduation at Norwood Elementary in Knoxville, TN continued at Lancaster Middle School in Lancaster, MA, East End Middle and Chimborazo Elementary in Richmond, VA, and A.G. Wright Middle in Stafford, VA. Joyce spoke of her desire to teach at a young age. Inspired by her parents and influenced by her sixth-grade teacher, she determined to be the most beneficial input of time and knowledge to students. She took advantage of every opportunity afforded to teach children. From playing school with her brothers and sister at a young age, teaching Sunday School in junior high, volunteering in summer camps at the YWCA, and various after-school activities, she found teaching to be very rewarding. She felt her greatest contributions were to the hundreds of students who came under her supervision. During her tenure, she received numerous awards and recognitions, notably, Charter Member Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, R.E.B. Award for Teaching Excellence Greater Richmond Community Foundation, Who’s Who Registry of Rising Young Americans, Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, Teacher of the Year at Chimborazo Elementary, and Teacher of the Year at A.G. Wright Middle. She lived her words, “understand the individual needs of the students, encourage their talents, and foster self-esteem.” The fruit of these words are revealed through several students who continued to correspond with her after 40 years of teaching. She loved the Lord and put her spiritual gifts to work by serving as a Sunday School teacher, choir member, and youth activities coordinator. She was a skilled musician and played the piano, violin, and guitar. She enjoyed bowling, snow skiing, hang gliding, and literally any kind of crafts. Joyce was well known as a world traveler. She visited every continent except for Antarctica and Australia. Her adventurous spirit and humor was welcomed by all who met her, especially during her most recent trip to Dubai, UAE where she teased her camel tour guide by stating, “Yea! I’m gonna make this camel buck.” Even before the time of her passing on August 18, 2022, she was still engaged with the education of children through mentorship, tutoring, and community involvement. Adored by her family, students, and friends, she will be greatly missed. She is survived by: siblings, Thomas R. Pearson Jr., and Joe F. Pearson; and a host of other uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, students, and co-workers.

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Joyce Ann Pearson Blackwell

February 17, 1946 - August 18, 2022