Mrs. Joyce Tilghman Butler, 86, formerly of Cape Charles, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, at Wuesthoff Hospice House in Rockledge, Fla. She was born on Sept. 29, 1933, in Fairview, Va., to Edward and Elizabeth (Ames) Tilghman. She graduated from Northampton High School and later attended Tidewater Community College. Joyce was married to Harry Lawrence Butler Jr. on May 8, 1954, at Franktown Methodist Church. The couple relocated to Chesapeake, Va., where they raised four children. Joyce worked as a radiology technician at Northampton-Accomack Memorial Hospital for several years, but later retired as a nursing home administrator after 40 years of service. She was an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star for many years. She loved to read, work puzzles, play cards, and play Bingo. Joyce was always up for traveling and shopping. She loved to go on cruises with her family.
Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, sister Elizabeth Ann Tilghman Elsea, and Lawrence Butler, her best friend and loving husband of 49 years. She was the matriarch of her immediate family, as well as the most beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt. She is survived by her daughter, Sharon (Michael) Dunnagan, and her three sons, Harry (Debi) Butler, Gary (Karen) Butler, and Curtis (Heather) Butler. Joyce was blessed with 10 grandchildren: Debbie, Susan, Greg, Crystal, Brandi, Betty, Mike, Ryan, Patrick, and Kevin, as well as 18 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. She will be greatly missed, but forever in our hearts.
Joyce was a breast cancer survivor, so donations to the Riverside Shore Memorial Cancer Center in Onley, Va., in her name will go a long way in helping to support her kindness and compassion. A memorial service will be held in Cape Charles, as soon as it is permitted. An announcement will be made when that information is available.
Joyce’s obituary can be viewed at www.foxfuneralhomes.com and a Tribute Wall is available for family and friends to post condolences and memories.
