" Joyce Marie Ackerman Willoughby, 63, graduated to her Heavenly Home on Thursday, March 28, 2019 surrounded by her family. She leaves behind her beloved husband, Duane, Pastor of New Harvest Christian Fellowship, their children: Joshua (and Amy) Willoughby, C.J. (and Kasey) Willoughby, Beckie (and Warren) Houde and Ben (and Kayla) Willoughby, all of Amissville, VA; her siblings: Karen (and Jim) Thompson of Brunswick, OH, David (and Elaine) Ackerman of McCormick, SC, Ralph (and Cathy) Ackerman of Herndon, VA, Cindi Ackerman of Orlando, FL, and a half brother, David McGee of Colonial Beach, VA; grandchildren: Faith, Gracie, Aubrey and Graham Willoughby, Jake and Carter Willoughby and Brandon Houde; nephew, Ralph Ackerman, Jr. of Herndon, VA, niece, Jenny Ackerman of Herndon, VA, Nephew, Shaun (and Bekki) McGee of Lonia MI, Brian (and Carolyn) McGee of King George VA, niece Mary (and Wilson) McGee Sosa of College Park MD; aunt, Ruth Lusted of Waxhaw, NC and her mother, Anita Ackerman of Orlando, FL. Her father, Bob Ackerman preceded her to heaven in 1997 and her aunt, Marie “Breezy” Lusted in 2017. Her beloved mother-in-law, Evangeline (and Gene) Nicholson heads the list of Willoughbys: uncles-, aunts-, brothers-, sisters-, cousins-, nieces- and nephews-in-law left behind.

Joyce was born in Pittsburgh, PA on March 24, 1956, lived briefly in Saltsburg, PA, moved to Rockville, MD and then to Vienna, VA where she went to Freedom Hill Elementary School, Thoreau Middle School and graduated from James Madison High School. She worked at Kentucky Fried Chicken during her high school days. From 1975-1984 she worked as an Administrative Assistant for Science Applications, Inc. at Tysons Corner, VA. Her former boss from SAI offered her a job as Executive Assistant for the West Point Society of DC, which she accepted. She worked for them from 2000 until she had to retire because of her health. She was awarded a certificate declaring her a “Friend of West Point”. She worked as Administrative Assistant to the CEO and Management for Dominion Construction, Inc. in Haymarket, VA from 2008-2010. She was also administrator and bookkeeper for AutoBahn Motorcars 1997 to 2016.

She and Duane were married in 1976, and they lived briefly in Vienna, VA, then in Herndon, VA, and Fairfax, VA. In 1994 they purchased their present property in Amissville, VA and built a home. All her children were home-schooled.

She was very active in her church as Pastors’ wife, teacher, and singer on the worship team, councilor and secretary. She dearly loved her grandchildren, and spent much time each day with them.

Joyce lived her faith with every breath she took. She felt it her mission to reach everyone she met for Christ. No matter what her physical condition, she would stop and minister to anyone she could. Her love for Jesus molded every aspect of her life. Joyce showed the Love of Jesus to everyone she crossed paths with, no matter their background, beliefs, or past actions. She truly lived her faith every day as she ministered to her husband, children, and grandchildren. A true warrior for the Kingdom of God!

Her Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2019, at the New Harvest Christian Fellowship, 16144 Waterloo Road, Amissville, VA, at 2:00 PM. "