Obituary - Joyce Dowell Wilton

WILTON, Joyce Dowell, our beloved mother, age 94, passed away on November 25, 2025. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, F. Richard Wilton, Jr.; parents, Edgar Paris Dowell and Ollie Garver Dowell; and brother, Edgar Paris Dowell, Jr. She is survived by her daughters, Sharon Atack (Ross Riddell), Robin Jones (Bud), and Melissa Brannan (Scott). She was “Meema” to seven grandchildren: Cory Atack, Amanda Shields (Jon), Katie Smith (Charley), Tripp Jones, Hunter Jones (Nikki), Taylor Brannan (Megan), and Courtney Brannan. She was also “Meema” to fifteen great-grandchildren: Will, Grace, Ella, and Jackson Shields; Brooklyn and Hayley Atack; Anne Gregory, Nora, and Paige Smith; Dru and Abby Jones; Ryleigh and Charleigh Jones; and Ainsley and Ollie Brannan.

Born and raised in Richmond, Joyce was a shining example of a loving matriarch, leading her family with grace, class, strength, and dignity. A graduate of the old Glen Allen High School, she married the love of her life, F. Richard (“Dickie”) Wilton, Jr., on April Fools’ Day in 1949. They were best friends and true partners, approaching all aspects of life together as a team. Following their passion, they founded F. Richard Wilton, Jr., Inc., a plastering company that expanded throughout the years, specializing in interior and exterior systems contracting. Joyce remained active in the company until their retirement, while also remaining an extraordinary, dedicated mother to their three daughters. Through the years, she and Dickie lived in Richmond, Glen Allen, and Tappahannock. Her last residence was at Cedarfield Retirement Community in Richmond.

Joyce’s favorite times were spent with her husband and family, who were the center of her life. Entertaining throughout the years brought her much joy, as she loved hosting many corporate, civic, and family events. She enjoyed bowling and participated in women’s bowling leagues in Richmond and Tappahannock. With a quick smile and a twinkle in her eye, she was known to instigate lively, competitive card and board games with her children, grandchildren, great‑grandchildren, and friends. Joyce loved reading, antiquing, having a cat on her lap, and, in later years, jigsaw puzzling and watching and feeding her outdoor birds. She especially enjoyed her “Hand and Foot” card group at Cedarfield. A woman of faith, Joyce was a member of Glen Allen Baptist Church.

She was a sweet, kind person who rarely spoke an unkind word. Her spirit was strong, yet always gentle and wise. She listened with an open heart and gave thoughtful, encouraging advice. She was a wonderful and devoted mother, grandmother, and great‑grandmother and will be forever missed. We are comforted by the fact that she rejoins our dad, whom she loved and missed so much. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Cedarfield for the wonderful care and love they showed our mother.

In keeping with our mother’s wishes, funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Glen Allen Baptist Church, PO Box 1245 Glen Allen, VA 23060.