Joyce Eileen Valentine

January 29, 1948 - April 7, 2022

Joyce Eileen Valentine, age 74, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away on April 7, 2022 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Joyce was born in Jackson County, OH on January 29, 1948 to Wesley and Letha “Mary” Valentine. Some of her favorite hobbies included traveling, reading (especially reading the Bible), bowling, listening to Stevie Wonder and playing the piano. At a very early age, Joyce developed a passion for learning. Her academic accomplishments include being selected as school valedictorian, earning an Honors Award Scholarship from Ohio University, 1966, receiving B. A. degree from Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, 1969, and M. A. degree in Educational Development from The Ohio State University in 1976.  Joyce realized her childhood dream in 1970 when she became an 11th grade English teacher for Chillicothe High School in Chillicothe, Ohio. Over the next 50 plus years Joyce, or “Miss V” as her students would affectionately call her, would go on to hold professional teaching positions at Hilltonia Jr. High School, C. Arthur Wilson High School(T.I.C.O), Mt. Logan Middle School, J. A. Smith Middle School, World Harvest Christian Academy, Life Skills Center of Columbus, FCI Academy, and multiple substitute teaching and private tutoring assignments throughout the state of Ohio. Joyce’s love of teaching continued despite her illness. During her last years of life, while staying in the nursing facility, Joyce would often tell her son and daughter-in-law that she had just finished playing the piano and teaching songs to other residents that happened to be in the recreation area.  Among her many teaching positions, Joyce was also a real estate professional, becoming a licensed Realtor in 1977 with Harris Realty Company in Columbus, OH. For more than 40 years Joyce enjoyed the experience of selling all types of real estate, from vacant land to commercial shopping centers. One of her most interesting sales transactions involved a house that was situated on several acres of land which also included several real caves!  Of all the titles that Joyce had, none was dearer to her than that of Mother. Joyce had one son, Brian, whom she loved until the day she died. She taught him that there was much more to teaching than simply imparting knowledge to someone. By her example, Brian learned that the “art of teaching” involves a special method of helping a person to think, then ensuring those same thoughts transition into feelings. Joyce taught her son to love people because all human beings are made in God’s image. She taught him how to be patient, kind, how to endure hardships, how to be respectful, and empathetic towards others. She taught him that a good teacher will reach the mind of their students, but only a great teacher will reach the heart. Joyce will be greatly missed by family, friends, and students who truly loved her very much. Joyce is survived by her son Brian (Paula) Valentine, two grandsons, Wesley Luis and Warren Isaac Valentine; and one sister, Jewell “Judy” Tanner.  Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, Wesley David Valentine and Letha “Mary” Valentine; and one brother Wesley Eugene Valentine. Funeral services will be held at 3PM Saturday, April 16, 2022 at the Mayhew-Brown Funeral Home with burial to follow in the Fairmount Cemetery. The family will receive friends 2 hours prior to the service from 1-3PM.