Joyce Proffit Leamon, a beloved matriarch and community pillar, left us peacefully on November 20, 2025, at her home in Annandale, VA. Born on October 5, 1941, in Alexandria, VA, Joyce was a beacon of love, kindness, and joy, touching the lives of many with her generous spirit and warm smile that could light up a room.

Joyce dedicated her life to nurturing both her family and her passions. An avid gardener, she nurtured plants and flowers with the same care that she showed to her loved ones. Her fascination with all things botanical was evident not only in her home but also as she tended to the church garden. She served and encouraged others through her involvement with the Jaycees. Joyce's hands were always busy, whether she was sewing, creating stained glass art, painting, or on the field coaching her daughters' soccer teams.

Her career was diverse and fulfilling; she tended to indoor plants for businesses through her job at Creative Plantings, operated a home lawn business, and brought joy to children as a Fairfax County school bus driver. This role allowed her the cherished moments of seeing her grandchildren, Nicole and Adriana, ride the bus with her until they began school themselves.

Joyce was a good listener and storyteller who had the ability to make everyone feel like they were her favorite. She had a gift for making memories, whether playing ball with her beloved dog Bruiser or taking her daughters to ride their pony, Moon. Many weekends were spent at Lake of the Woods waterskiing and swimming with friends and family. She was a devoted grandmother, lovingly referred to as "Grammy", who found immense joy in spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always encouraging and supporting them in their endeavors.

Throughout her life, Joyce shone as a truth-teller, an antique collector, and a lover of butterflies and all furry friends. Her unwavering support for her family was matched only by her desire to help those in need. She volunteered at both her church and the local elementary school. Joyce’s proudest accomplishments were her family and the stunning yard she cultivated with love, a reflection of her nurturing spirit. Her legacy of love and kindness will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew her, reminding us to cherish every moment, support each other, and find joy in life’s simple pleasures.

She is survived by her cherished family including daughter Angela Apintiloaiei and son-in-law Mitch Apintiloaiei; daughter Pamela Mann and son-in-law Matthew Mann Sr.; grandchildren Charlotte Mann Lee and husband Jeremiah, Eric Mann II and wife Clara, Nicole Apintiloaiei, Helen Bates and husband Josh, Adriana Apintiloaiei, Evelyn Behrendt and husband Jakob, Faith Mann, and Matthew Mann Jr.; great-granddaughters Athena Mann and Sharon Joyce Lee; as well as nephews Gary Proffit, Carlos Proffit, Craig Proffit, Cline (Tee) Proffit and Gary's wife Susan, Craig's wife Kim, and their families.

Joyce was preceded in death by her loving parents, Cline and Evelyn Proffit, and her brothers Donny Proffit and Penny Proffit, along with Donny’s wife Hermencia and Penny's wife Janie.

A celebration of life service and reception will be held at St. Matthew's UMC (stmatthewsumc.org), 8617 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003 on Saturday December 27, 2025 at 1 PM . In lieu of gifts or flowers, it was Joyce's request that donations be made to Mended Sparrow Inc. (mendedsparrow.org), a nonprofit organization providing equine therapy for veterans and their families.