Joyce Ann Whitley

Joyce Ann Whitley Oldest daughter of the late Clayborn Tillman and Alberta Brown Tillman, born August 16, 1945 in Charleston, WV. Early on, Joyce displayed great musical talents and began singing at Church events, weddings and even the inauguration of the 25th Governor of WV. At the age of twelve years old Joyce was baptized at First Baptist Church of Charleston, WV by the Rev. Moses Newsome. She studied classical music and played piano from the age of 5 until she graduated from Charleston High School in 1962 at the age of 16. In 1963, because of her interest in Civil Rights she travelled to Washington, DC for the March on Washington where she heard MLK’s I have a dream speech, an event which profoundly impacted her. Joyce attended WVSC now WVSU where she studied music and physical education. Those college days were filled with much fun and friendship making to last a lifetime. Most of all, she enjoyed returning for the homecoming celebrations. Joyce moved from Charleston in 1968 and Detroit has been her home ever since. She worked years for the United states Postal Service and retired in 2002. She enjoyed an active retirement that allowed her to participate and enjoy many leisure activities. In the 1970’s Joyce found herself on an all women bowling league at Palm Beach Lanes where she eventually discovered the Postal league. She has been treasurer and secretary of many leagues at Merri-Bowl, Oak Lanes and Mercury lanes. In 2017 Joyce was awarded the Humanitarian Award by The Detroit Bowling Senate. In 1982 She married Claude Whitley and together they parented two daughters Angela Whitley and Claudia Whitley of Detroit. She is survived by them and additionally: Two grandchildren: Aniya Brooks and Chane Crawford of Detroit. Sister, Carolyn Tillman, two great nieces Kelana Edwards and Kyrilyn El-Amin and a great nephew Kevan El-Amin and a niece who preceded her in death, Kela El-Amin of Charleston, WV. A sister-n-law Karen Peoples (Oliver), 3 Brother’s -n-law Jimmy, Errol, and Eric Whitley and a host of Nieces and nephews in Florida. Numerous cousins and kin of the Tillman family most of whom reside in southeast Texas known as Tillmon’s. Longtime friends that were more like family Wanda Reid, Daisy Clark, Aj Harris, Ratman, The Schaefer families-the Johnson’s, Tillman’s, Mcduffie/Williams’, Jones’, Smith’s, Mims’ and the Pitt’s. Many of her 2nd floor Postal crew looked up to her as a mom also; Davita H, Jackie, Jeanette, Shauntae, Sonja, Davita G, Tammy, Loudell, Angela, Andrea, Latonya and John just to name a few. Joyce was an avid animal lover and had many furry friends including her longtime favorite, “Ruffles” the Shih Tzu. Detroit was her home for 55 years of her life-she loved Detroit and Detroit loved her. We thank you. We appreciate you for the love you showed her. The family wishes to also express sincere appreciation for all the love, concern, well wishes, prayers, cards, condolences, and gifts. Arrangements are entrusted into the compassionate hands of Andrews Funeral Home; 12809 Rosa Parks Blvd, Detroit, Michigan, 48238. 

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