Joy Rogers Blake, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2025, at the age of 84.
Born in Gastonia, North Carolina, in 1941 to Clarence and Mary Rogers, Joy lived a full life. She was known for her sharp wit, always excelling scholastically. Joy graduated from Ashley High School and continued her education at Appalachian State University, where she graduated with a degree in mathematics.
Joy then went on to lead a long, impactful career teaching math in Hampton and Gloucester County, Virginia. She had a special gift of connecting with her students and creating a meaningful learning experience, all while providing a fun and humorous classroom environment.
Joy was a deeply devoted mother to her daughters, Kristi and Wendy, who were the center of her world. She raised them with compassion, integrity, and a strong value to help others, qualities they carry with them and now have passed on to their own families. Beyond her family, Joy had meaningful relationships with her beloved friends. She truly cherished her friends and the many laughs and fun memories that they created together.
Joy was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Mary Rogers, and her sister, Marlene Rogers Broom. She is survived by her brother, Joe Rogers, and her two daughters, Kristi Blake Nichols (Garrett) of Staunton, Virginia, and Wendy Blake Good (David) of Rock Hill, South Carolina. She is also survived by her nine grandchildren: Emily Pananas, Ally Pananas, Augustus Pananas, Alex Nichols, Jay Nichols, Ameer Nichols, Abigail Good, Charlie Good, and Jack Good.
In keeping with Joy’s wishes, no formal service will be held. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Joy on Saturday, August 23, from 2-4 p.m. at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, Gloucester, Virginia.
The family invites those who knew Joy to honor her memory by sharing in doing what she loved— whether by reading a good book, playing board games, working puzzles, or engaging in a fun but competitive game of gin rummy or bridge.
