Joyce Ann Overman Ralph, 65, of Northgate Lane, entered into eternal rest on Feb. 9, 2005, in her home, with her family by her side. She had fought a courageous battle with cancer.

Mrs. Ralph was born in Hobbsville, N.C. She was formerly a member of Eureka Baptist Church where she had been active in the choir and the church nursery. More recently, she had joined Suffolk Christian Church, and particularly enjoyed attending Early Church there during her illness. Mrs. Ralph graduated from Louise Obici School of Nursing in 1960 as a registered nurse. She retired after 35 years of service between Louise Obici Memorial Hospital and Lakeview Medical Center. During her retirement, Mrs. Ralph loved to work in her yard, tend to her house, and visit with numerous friends and neighbors in the Suffolk and Hobbsville communities.

Mrs. Ralph was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Horace W. Overman, and her brother, Horace W. Overman, Jr.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 42 years, Mayor Bobby L. Ralph: one daughter, Wendy Blausey and her husband Art, of Suffolk: a grandson whom she adored, Conner Leary Blausey; her devoted pet, Chiclette; one sister, Carolyn Antis and her husband Joe, of Suffolk, sisters-in-law, Betty Rountree and husband Frank, of Hobbsville, Ruth Ann Felton and husband Larry of Suffolk, Mary Winslow and husband Jay of Suffolk, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends too numerous to mention.

Mrs. Ralph was a kind, generous person who spent her life helping other people. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

She faced her illness with admirable fortitude, and was particularly appreciative of her doctors and the staffs of Lakeview Medical Center, Obici Hospital, and Virginia Oncology Associates.

Her family would like to extend special thank you to her hospice nurse, Mrs. Becky Case as well as her companion, Ms. Elizabeth Peele.

A visitation will be held from 7 to 8:30 pm. Friday, Feb. 11 at R. W. Baker & Co. Funeral & Crematory

A funeral will be held at 11 a.m Saturday, Feb. 12. in the Suffolk Christian Church by the Rev. Cameron Currin and Rev. Michael Halley. The burial will follow at Holly Lawn Cemetery. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 604 Constance Woods Drive, Suffolk, VA, 23434. Condolences may

be registered at www.rwbakerfh.com