Joyce G. Shell

Joyce Virginia Glover Shell, 88, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at her residence in Staunton.

She was born on November 7, 1936, in Weyers Cave, to the late Joy Nevitt and Lois Virginia Flory Glover.

Joyce devoted more than thirty years of her life as a beloved schoolteacher at West Side Elementary in Staunton, nurturing young minds and making a lasting impact on countless students. Her commitment to education was further exemplified by her own academic achievements; she received her bachelor’s degree in music education from Bridgewater College, laying the groundwork for her long career.

Beyond her role in the classroom, Joyce was deeply involved in various organizations that highlighted her passion for the arts and community service. She was a proud member of Alpha Delta Kappa, the International Honorary Organization for Women Educators. Additionally, she was a longtime member of Staunton's Thursday Morning Music Club, where her love for music continued to flourish. She also sang in the choir at Staunton Church of the Brethren and served as it’s organist for over fifty impressive years, contributing her talents to enhance the church community that she so dearly loved.

Joyce's love for her community extended to her service with the Auxiliary of Augusta Health and her participation in the Staunton Choral Society. Her varied interests also included gardening, enjoying sudoku and crossword puzzles, and following her favorite sports team, the Baltimore Orioles. Additionally, she and her husband cherished their second home in Florida, where they created many fond memories.

Joyce is survived by her sons Michael Warner Shell and David Erby Shell, Jr.; her granddaughter, Olivia Catherine Bowles; and her sister, Alice "Rosie" Rosalie Glover Fulwider.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, David Erby Shell.

A memorial service to celebrate Joyce's life will be held at 12:00 PM on Monday, May 5, 2025, at the Staunton Church of the Brethren with Pastor Beth Jarrett officiating.

Inurnment at Augusta Memorial Park in Waynesboro will be private.

The family would like to especially thank Joyce's incredible caregivers - Audrey, Darlene, and Maria - as well as the staff and nurses at UVA Health Dialysis in Staunton for all of their kindness and compassion over the years. 

In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Central and Western Virginia Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association (1010 Ednam Center, Ste. 203, Charlottesville, VA 22903), the Staunton Church of the Brethren (1615 North Coalter Street #1615, Staunton, VA 24401) or to UVA Health Dialysis - Staunton (81 Orchard Hill Circle, Ste. 103, Staunton, VA 24401).