Joyce Helmick Gill, 89, of Smithfield, passed away peacefully at home, Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021, surrounded by her family. Born Nov. 12, 1931, in Rescue, she was the daughter of the late Ola V. and Lois M. Helmick.

She graduated valedictorian of Smithfield High School in 1950 and was a graduate of Christopher Newport College. She taught history and government at Smithfield High School for 20 years. She was a member of The Women’s Club of Smithfield, The Republican Women’s Club, and Delta Kappa Gamma. She was also a long-time member of Christ Episcopal Church.

Survivors include her husband of 71 years, Richard “Bud” G. Gill; sons, Richard “Dickie” G. Gill, Jr. (Nancy), of Smithfield, Gene H. Gill (Vickie), of Newport News; daughters, Robin G. Williams (Brad), of Ft. Smith, Ark., and Joanna G. Bateman (Doug), of Smithfield; granddaughters, Evie Upton (Phillip), Leslie McAllister (Philip), Lindsay Wilson (Maurice), Megan Gotliffe (Blake), Alison W. Richins (John), Taylor Campbell, Kristine Bateman; and grandsons, Joshua Bateman and Daniel Williams; and 14 great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021, in Ivy Hill Cemetery, Smithfield. The family will receive friends from noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, prior to the service at Little’s Funeral Home, Smithfield. The family would like to thank Grace Hospice and Home Sweet Home for their teams’ loving support and care provided. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Preservation Fund of Christ Episcopal Church, 111 S. Church St., Smithfield, VA 23430. Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com.