Joyce Anna Via

Joyce Anna Via the part of this earth on April 12, 2025 at her home surrounded by her loved ones.

Born April 25, 1950 to the late Elder James Milton and Anna Lee Via in McDehoe W. VA. The third of nine children, four girls and five boys.

She attended public schools in both Roanoke, Virginia and Detroit, Michigan before earning her degree in New Haven, CT.

She spent most of her early years in Roanoke, Virginia, where she proudly gave birth to two children, Roger and Sequita Via.

Joyce migrated to New Haven in 1979 with her children and her sisters to join her brothers. She worked a variety of jobs before her retirement, after which she began her walk as an evangelist. She was a member of the New Birth C.O.C.D.O.C under leadership of the late brother Elder David Via. At the time of her passing, she was a member of Thomas Chapel C.O.C.D.O.C, under the leadership of Elder Velman Lyons.

Joyce was one of the sweetest, soft spoken, generous, loving people you could ever meet. She will forever be in our hearts.

She has survived by two children, Roger (Tara) Via of Detroit, Michigan and Sequita (Craig Jones) of New Haven, CT. Eight grandchildren Rahim Nelson of New Haven, CT, Dezmond Via, Andrea Wortham, Lena and Legend Mattox, Courtney Conet, Arneisha Poe, and Arieanna Hatten, all of Detroit, Michigan. Sisters Hazel and Alonda Via of New Haven, CT, brothers Roger (Diane) Via of New Haven, CT and Anthony Hardy of Roanoke, Virginia and her former husband Kenneth Tyson of Detroit, Michigan. She was predeceased by her parents, Elder James Milton, and Anna Lee Via, sister Cynthia Via, brother James Monroe, George, (Limpy) David, Frederick Via and Albert Hill. Also survived by a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

A celebration of Joyce’s life will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 3pm at Colonial Funerals, 86 Circular Avenue, Hamden, CT. Viewing in colonial from 2-3pm. Condolences may be expressed at Colonialfunerals.com.