Roll Call Tribute

Joyce Elaine Cheeves-Whitney 

August 23, 1947 - June 10, 2024 

On the 10th of June 2024, Joyce Elaine Cheeves-Whitney was called home to Glory. Joyce Elaine was the eldest child, born on August 23, 1947 in San Antonio, Texas, to Tommy Sears Crayton and Lacy Scott Crayton, who preceded her in death.

Joyce Elaine attended Grant Elementary, Dunbar Junior High School and graduated with honors from George W. Brackenridge High School, all in San Antonio. In high school, she maintained an honor roll status, was Lieutenant for the Purple Jacket Pep Squad/Drill Team, and a University Interscholastic participant in Extemporaneous Speaking, where she placed second place in District Competition.

Joyce Elaine attended Incarnate Word College of San Antonio and received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Education with focus on Reading Specialist. She also achieved the Dean’s List status while in attendance. She went on to complete coursework toward a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with focus on Language, Literacy, and Culture at Texas A&M University of College Station, Texas.

She retired from Southwestern Bell/AT&T after 27 years of service in various job titles and positions with her last assignment being a Design Technician with the Education Marketing team. After retiring from AT&T, Joyce Elaine embarked on a second career as a professional educator/teacher with SAISD working with an at-risk student population. She was chosen as Outstanding Elementary and Middle School Teacher in 1992. Joyce Elaine taught at St. Philip’s College as a Reading Specialist with adult learners as well.

Joyce Elaine had a personal relationship with the Lord at an early age. At her death, she was a member of New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of Dr. Paul D. Stevens, Sr. In her Christian service, she served in various capacities within the church. Her church family remembers her for her kind heart and radiant smile. She walked through life with gentle strength, touching the lives of everyone she encountered with an unforgettable grace. She lived a life of service knowing in her heart that what she did in her service for others was a heartfelt tribute to her God and an indelible legacy.

Joyce Elaine leaves to cherish her memory two daughters, Monica (Leon) Hare and Cherie (Mark) Dubay; four grandchildren, Bianca Nuckols, Cody (Jaciel) Nuckols, Caitlin Dubay and Patrick Dubay; five siblings Tommy (Maureen) Crayton, Kaye (Michael) Lawanson, Rita Crayton, Gary (Sylvia) Crayton, Barry (Marina) Crayton; a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Let us remember Joyce Elaine, and carry her memory with us, knowing that her spirit will live on through the love we share and the stories we tell.