Joyce Rosson DeBernard

Joyce Rosson DeBernard, 84, of King George, VA passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. Joyce was the daughter of the late Richard Rosson and Edna (Sisk) Rosson-Tanner. She was also preceded in death by stepfather Egbert Tanner.

Joyce is survived by her husband of 67 years, Fredy DeBernard; beloved little sister, Judy Rosson Nave; daughters Gina DeBernard, Pamela McGinniss, and Linda DeShazo (Bryan); granddaughters Brandy Gibson (Bryan), Brittney Harshman (Eric), and Christina Turnbull; great-grandchildren Rosson Gibson, Barrett and Presley Harshman, Jacob and Kingsten Turnbull, and Charlotte Pates; numerous dear sister/brother in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins; and, her feisty feline furbaby, Pumpkin.

Family came first in the DeBernard home, a value which was instilled in both Joyce and Fredy as children. Joyce would fondly recall her childhood spent in precious family time during which the adults socialized and the kids were free to explore and share in mischief. She continued that legacy by making sure that her girls spent countless hours of their youth surrounded by their adored aunts, uncles, and cousins. Her family enjoyed scores of road trips near and far to visit relatives, however some of the best memories were made at home. Joyce enjoyed hosting holiday & impromptu get-togethers, card game socials, and summer crab feasts (with Fredy manning the crab pot while she took care of making the potato salad and getting food ready for the grill). In Joyce’s house, food was plentiful and prepared with love; nobody ever left hungry and everybody always took something home with them. She made a delicious salad that topped any and a mean homemade spaghetti that was often requested as main fare by family & friends.

Her family included friends, neighbors, and co-workers. She relished in a good laugh with the company of people who warmed her heart. While she had lots of memorable moments in her life, she spoke more often of the smaller things, all the while remembering those who shared in her adventures.  She would often share stories of a particular friend and how they somehow managed to get lost driving home from a day trip, not just once but on multiple occasions.

Joyce’s passion and talent for gardening was evident both inside and outside of her home. Everything she planted flourished. She aspired to (and did) re-create the beautiful flowerbeds of her childhood which were grown by her grandmother. She took pride in her flowers, yet she was quick to share a cutting or a bulb and was honored when she had been asked to do so.  Much like she nurtured her flowers and plants, she protected, supported, and influenced many, but none more so than those who called her Daughter, Sister, Wife, Momma, and Grandma.

Joyce Rosson DeBernard was a member of Potomac Baptist Church and had a strong faith in God and found peace through Him. Friends, neighbors, and co-workers became family held dear in her big heart.  She loved so many and was equally adored in return. While she is rejoicing with departed loved ones in Heaven, she will be immensely missed here on Earth.

Services will commence with the Receiving of Family and Friends on Saturday, 9 March 2024 at half past noon at Potomac Baptist Church (8103 Comorn Rd, King George, VA  22485). In true DeBernard style, at the conclusion of services there will be a meal in the church social hall. All are invited and welcome.

If you should wish to make a memorial contribution, please consider Potomac Baptist Church, PO Box 107, King George, VA 22485.