10/02/2024
Joyce Ann McCulley Tennies
Joyce Ann McCulley Tennies, age 72, went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. Joyce was born in Amelia, Virginia on November 13, 1951, to Walter Lee McCulley and Lois Hastings McCulley. Joyce lived in Amelia for many years before moving to Keezletown, then Shenandoah, Virginia where she resided until her death.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband and love of her life, John Snyder Tennies, and by her parents. She is survived by her children, Ronald Anderson, Melody Shaw, Julie (Steven) David, Dianna (Aaron) Siever, Edna (James) Saul, Shawn Shifflett and by numerous foster children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren.
Joyce leaves a legacy of kindness and extreme generosity. She never wanted anyone to be alone on holidays and often invited friends and neighbors to her home.
Joyce gave without self regard and continually put the needs of others before her own. She spent her life fostering children in her home and fostered over 100 children during her lifetime, some for only a few days and some for many years. Her heart was for troubled teenagers, and she provided specialized foster care for teenagers who would otherwise be placed in a group home.
A talented upholsterer, Joyce upholstered furniture for over 40 years. She was a founding partner of Smith and Anderson Upholstery in Amelia. After moving she founded Artistic Upholstery, which she ran until her retirement in March 2020. Never one for idleness, once she closed her business she transitioned to raising Maine C**n cats, which continued until her death. A fantastic cook, a gifted singer, and a devout Christian, Joyce was loved by all who knew her.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Oak Grove Church (2279 Fleeburg Rd; Shenandoah, VA) on November 23rd. Family will receive friends at 1pm with a service to be held at 2pm and a meal to follow. A graveside service will be held at 2pm the following day at St. John's U. M. C. Cemetery (17502 Namozine Rd; Amelia, VA).
