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Joyce Gatling Ward, 90, died peacefully on March 9, 2022, with her children at her side. She was the daughter of the late Wilfred C. Gatling and Katharine P. Gatling.

Joyce was a graduate of Suffolk High School and Longwood College. She spent her teaching career in Martinsville and Suffolk where she retired in 1991. As an active member of First Baptist Church Suffolk, Joyce taught Sunday School and participated in several civic organizations.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Michelle Ward Bunch and Bruce Bunch; son, Walter Aleck Ward III; grandchildren, Alissa Taylor Ward (Lauren Godbout), Tyler Justin Bunch and Alec Jordan Ward (Marisa) and special nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 12, at R. W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home and Crematory, 509 W. Washington St. The family will receive friends prior to the service at 10 a.m. Dr. Wilfred C. Gatling III and Dr. Thurman Hayes Jr. will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church, 237 N. Main St, Suffolk, VA 23434, or the March of Dimes Donation Processing Center, P.O. Box 18819. Atlanta, GA 31126. Condolences may be offered at RWBakerFH.com.