Joyce Carpenter MacDowell

Joyce Carpenter MacDowell, 95, of New Church, VA, passed away on August 26, 2025, peacefully in her own home and went on to be with her lord.

Born Joyce Loraine Hickman on July 7, 1930, in Accomac, VA, to the late Charles and Edith (Fletcher) Hickman.

She worked at the U.S. Post Office on Chincoteague Island, VA, for 32 years, was a talented painter and carver, and shared her talent with family and friends.

Joyce lived to see and love four generations of her family and is survived by her son, David Tarr, daughter Jennifer VanHart and her husband Carroll, daughter Angela Schmeckenbecher and her husband John,  daughter Debbie White,  daughter Terri Hooker and her husband Edward, daughter Janie LaCurts and her husband Mike, daughter Vicky Thornton and her husband Joe, son Macky MacDowell and his wife Sandy, daughter-in-law Cathy Manning, daughter-in-law Cheryl Carpenter and several beloved grandchildren, great- grandchildren and great- great- grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husbands, Walter Carpenter, Jr., and Forrest MacDowell; her sons, Mike Carpenter and Ray Manning; her son-in-laws, Steve White and Scott Bartrug; her grandson, Carroll VanHart, Jr.; and her great-great-grandson, Axle Turner. 

There will be a Funeral Service at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Salyer Funeral Home on Chincoteague Island, VA, with a viewing one hour prior.

Services entrusted to Salyer Funeral Home, Inc., on Chincoteague Island, VA. Condolences may be made online at www.salyerfh.com.

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