Joy Backus

AHOSKIE, N.C. — Joyce Elaine Jaco Backus, 68, of Ahoskie passed away Friday, March 17, 2023.

Joyce was born Feb. 20, 1955, in Millersville to Clyde and Iva Jaco.

Joyce grew up in Millersville and graduated in 1974 from Jackson High School. On Dec. 2, 1976, Joyce married Lawrence Schaefer of Scott City, a U.S. Navy veteran, in Long Beach, California, and later divorced.

Joyce is survived by her two children, Theresa Schaefer of Cahokia, Illinois, and Travis (Tracy) Schaefer of East Bend, North Carolina; grandchildren, Shayla (Fred), Kiya, Renee, Lizzy, Mackenzie, Addison, Austin, Devin, Dillan, Savannah and Alyssa; four great-grandchildren, and a great-grandson due in July 2023; brothers, Leonard (Genny) Jaco of Jefferson City, Missouri, and Lenzel (Debbie) Jaco of Millersville; sister, Judy (Jimmy) Keller of Delta; as well as aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Iva Jaco; her second husband, Ricard Backus; and her long-time companion, Bobby Outlaw Sr.

Joyce had resided in the Virginia and North Carolina area since 1983. She had an abundance of friends. She attended Mercy Church at 127 NC 42 West in Ahoskie, where her memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 26.

Announcement is courtesy of Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City.