Joan Earlyne Scholefield

Joan Earlyne Scholefield, 80, of Virginia Beach VA, passed away February 22, 2023, at home surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Tulsa, OK to William Earl Griffith and Helen Ruth Royse on December 12, 1942.

Overcoming adversity was a specialty of hers. After contracting Polio at age 10, Joan became wheelchair bound. She never let this stop her from living life on her terms and making an impact on each person she met.

Joan earned her Bachelors degree and married her college sweetheart, Norman David Scholefield in 1966. She later became a loving and dedicated mother to 3 boys. She spent many days with them fishing, surfing and traveling.

In her spare time she earned a Masters degree, provided substance abuse prevention counseling and advocated for the disabled, working to change laws to make all businesses handicapped accessible.

Joan was always a crafter and entrepreneur at heart. She owned Skos Punch Works, later Skos Jewelry and Gifts at the oceanfront where her bird, Buttons would join her daily.

As her boys grew into entrepreneurs themselves, Joan enjoyed spending time with their families and her grandchildren. She loved her family and friends fiercely. She never turned down a day with friends at the movies, shopping, gardening or eating out.

Later, Joan’s love for animals took her on a journey as a volunteer at the Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center. She adored her time as a volunteer, relished the days with the animals, staff and volunteers she worked with. She and family rescued several dogs. Her beloved Bailey, Mr. Magoo and Baby awaited her at Heavens gates. Tilly and Diamond miss her dearly.

Joan is survived and missed by her husband of 56 years, Norman David Scholefield; and her children, David Mark (Christi), Robert John (Ghea) and Stephen Paul (Kristin). Forever cherished and remembered by her seven grandchildren, Vanna, Kathryn Grace, Mark Johnathan, Madelyn Ella, Stephen, John William and Lilli; and her brother William “Bill” Griffith.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a celebration of life, which will be held at Mark and Christi’s home on Saturday, March 18th from 12:00-5:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please donate wishlist supplies to Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center.