Joyce Underhill Rodgers

Our beloved Joyce Underhill Rodgers was born July 26, 1938, the third child born to the union of Evangelist Lillie Bell Underhill and Rev. Theodore Underhill in Farmville, NC. Being reared in a Christian home, Joyce professed her faith in Jesus Christ at an early age and was baptized. She developed a strong faith in God and would tell anyone she met that she was “a praying woman.” Joyce graduated from H.B. Suggs High School in North Carolina. After graduation, she moved to Norwalk, CT. She became a cosmetologist who made women beautiful for over 65 years. She had her own beauty salon in South Norwalk for many years. We all know that she believed in styling and profiling. She loved to look good and make others do the same. She was not selfish with her gifts. In later years, she continued her legacy of beauty at New Image Salon, also in South Norwalk. Joyce was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church. She served in various capacities in the church; Sunday School, Missionary Society and by singing in the United Voices of Calvary and the Gospel Chorus. Joyce was also part of a committee that was instrumental in helping to purchase the church van. She loved her church family and served until her health failed. She also served her family and friends by sharing her gifts of love through cooking biscuits, (especially the ones with cheese) and any other southern cuisine that you wanted. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and family. She was also the knowledgeable family historian. Joyce was known for her vivid storytelling. Her genuine spirit as well as her zest for life made her a welcome addition to any group or conversation. After visiting with family, singing songs, and praising God, our beloved Joyce Rodgers quietly departed this life and transitioned to the presence of God on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. She gracefully transitioned holding to her faith and her integrity. She lived a life of love, beauty, and faith in God. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. In addition to her parents, her daughter, Phyllis Lorraine Rodgers, six sisters; Geraldine Tucker, Delores Boone, Ruth Mitchell, Blondie Underhill, Melba Vines, and Barbara Walker; three brothers; Theodore McArthur, Lewis Bryant and Theodore Underhill Jr. preceded Joyce in death. Joyce leaves to cherish the memories of her life, one brother Rev. Ivory Underhill of Rocky Mount, NC and one sister, Janice Faye Pope (George) of District Heights, MD, two sisters-in-law Delores Underhill and Laverne Underhill, one brother-in-law Frank Vines, her special daughter Marche Davis, loving niece Rewa Mercer and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. She also leaves a host of friends and church family that she has known through the years. A special thanks to an extraordinary group of women that personally assisted and loved her to the end. Visitation will be held on Monday, September 9, 2024 from 10:00AM - 11:00AM followed by a service of celebration at 11:00AM at Calvary Baptist Church, 21 Concord Street, Norwalk, CT. Interment will follow at Norwalk Union Cemetery.

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Joyce Underhill Rodgers

July 26, 1938 - September 3, 2024