Joyce Bowman Burch, 85, of Madison Heights, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at The Summit after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's.

She was the wife of the late Earl Lee Burch.

Born March 16, 1931 in Botetourt County, she was the daughter of the late Samuel Whiten Bowman and the late Ella Burkholder Bowman and was also preceded in death by a son, Edwin Earl Burch; one brother, Lloyd I. Bowman and six sisters, Mary B. Gilliam, Stella B. Trail, Edna B. Booze, Catherine B. Desper, Susie B. Persinger, and Edith B. Spiggle.

Mrs. Burch was a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, and grandmother. She was a member of Bethany United Methodist Church in Monroe.

Mrs. Burch is survived by four children, Ronald Lee Burch and wife Elaine of Waynesboro, Carolyn B. Renner and husband Bernhard of Evington, Deborah B. Thomas and husband Gary of Madison Heights, and James E. Burch and wife Anne of Monroe; eleven grandchildren, Israel, Jason, Bridget, Diana, Jeremy, Christie, Sarah, Benjamin, Isaac, Jonathan, and York; thirteen great grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 24, 2016 at Whitten Monelison Chapel with the Rev. Barry Tucker and the Rev. Brian HUdson officiating. Interment will follow at Allwood Cemetery in Pleasant View.

The family will receive friends from 6:30-8:00 p.m., Friday, December 23, 2016 at Whitten Monelison Chapel.

The family wishes to thank all of Mrs. Burch's wonderful caregivers throughout the years.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Allwood Cemetery Fund, c/o Doug Eubank, 1810 Buffalo Springs Turnpike, Amherst, VA 24521 or Gideon's International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214.