Joyce Evely Costner

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joyce Evely Costner, at the age of 97 on February 11, 2025, in Napa California. She was a force of nature who navigated the challenges of this life with grace, determination and spirit. Her family will keep her forever in their hearts.

Joyce was born on January 19, 1928 in Petersburg, Virginia to Ralph and Ethel (Nee Barns) Evely. In 1946, she met Robert William Costner of Gastonia, North Carolina, the love of her life and her beloved husband, when he was stationed at Fort Lee, Virginia during WWII. They were married in 1948 and remained together for 73 years until Bob's passing in 2021 Joyce and Bob resided in Petersburg then Richmond, Virginia until 2014 when they relocated to St. Helena, California to be closer to her daughters.

Joyce was known for her wry sense of humor, her strong will, and her unwavering love and support for her family and her church. Along with her husband Bob, she was an active member of All Saints Episcopal Church in Richmond, Virginia, then Grace Episcopal Church in St. Helena. For decades they were avid boaters on Virginia's inland waterways and Chesapeake Bay as members of the Richmond Sail & Power Squadron. Joyce was a talented painter and member and past President of the Tuckahoe Artist Association and the Tuckahoe Women's Club as well as an active supporter of the Richmond Museum of Fine Arts. In retirement, Joyce and Bob travelled widely before settling in St. Helena.

In the 1960's Joyce worked for the Federal Government where she was part of the first group of IBM punch card coders for the GSA, receiving several Outstanding Performance awards during her ten years of service. After leaving the GSA, she became the Administrative Assistant to Petersburg's City Manager. In 1976, Joyce served as the assistant to The Reverend Charles Vache, Bishop Coadjutor for the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia.

She is pre-deceased by husband Bob and daughter Patijo Costner. She is survived by her four daughters Janet Costner (CA) Susan Kenward (CA) Debbie Palmer (TX) Barbara Parham (CO), five grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, three cousins, five nephews and their extended families.

The family would like to thank the staff and members of Grace Episcopal Church, Skilled Nursing at The Meadows and Providence Hospice for their support of Joyce during her illness. On behalf of Joyce, we would also like to acknowledge her longtime friends in Virginia, Liz Fisher and Irene Chamberlin, for their love and support.

A memorial service will be held on March 22, 2025, at 11 am at Grace Episcopal Church 1314 Spring Street, St. Helena, CA. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace Episcopal Church.

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