JoAnn Royal, 64, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, February 7, 2022.  Born in Philadelphia, PA, she moved to Hampton, VA as a young adult and enjoyed the remainder of her life there.  She recently retired after years of hard work including her time as a Registered Nurse and real estate investor.  JoAnn eagerly looked forward to her many years of this chapter in her life; bringing all those she cared about together, and  spending endless time with her beloved grand and great-grandchildren.

JoAnn was and is the glue that kept everyone together. She united many people throughout her life. She was a kind, caring, and strong woman with a presence and poise to bridge the gap between those who would otherwise, not have engaged with one another and kept us all together.

Early in JoAnn's retirement she was diagnosed with ALS. Despite knowing the eventual outcome, she continued to push forward everyday. It  would be wrong to say that JoAnn lost her battle with ALS, because she never stopped fighting. No matter how sick, or weak she was, she was always determined to overcome and outlive as many obstacles as ALS presented her with. Where most would have been broken and given up; she remained stoic, strong, and resilient. Perhaps one of the most impactful lessons JoAnn taught everyone around her is, what perseverance truly looks like; she did so with grace, pride, and will continually be the strength for those left on this earth which she surrounded herself with. There was no quit in JoAnn. Just because she is no longer here, it doesn't mean she lost her fight. The goal is not to live forever, however, it is to create something that will.  The legacy that is and always will be JoAnn will be marked and carried forward for generations to come through her loving children and her most treasured grandchildren.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her loving husband, Thomas Royal, Sr.  She is survived by her children, Shalonda (Anthony) and Terran (LaTicia)  Davis.  Siblings: Wanda R. Mills-Vaughn, Cedric McCall and Gail Toney. Lastly, her beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren , Khalil, Khyle, Jalyn, Laila, and Tamia, Cameron, Cason, and Khashius.

The family will have visitation from 2:00-4:30 PM Saturday, February 26, 2022 at Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions, 2609 Cunningham Dr. in Hampton, 757-825-8070.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to ALS.org.