Joycelyn Chaney

Sunrise: October 4, 1936               Sunset: February 12, 2019

Joycelyn Toney Chaney, affectionately called 'Joyce" was born on October 4, 1935 in Pioneer, LA to the parentage of Bessie and Theodore Toney, Sr. She was the fourth of six children from this union. Her siblings, Sammie, Milma, Theodore, Jr., Leroy and Sherman all preceded her in death. 

The Toney family relocated from Pioneer, LA to Las Vegas, NV in the 1940's, where Joyce remained an enduring resident. 

She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and participated in church activities at an early age. She joined Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church under the direction of Rev. E.C. Kline. Later she became a member of Mountaintop Faith Ministries under guidance of Rev. Clinton House. She was very actively involved in the culinary ministry while serving there. She returned to Pilgrim Rest, and at the tie of her demise, she was actively under the leadership of Rev. McKinley Hardman Jr,. where she was a member of the Hospitality Committee. During her time at Pilgrim Rest, she worked  in various capacities throughout the church.

Joyce began her formal education in the Louisiana Public School System and continued in the Clark County Public School System when her family relocated to Las Vegas. 

She always enjoyed cooking and working with food. In fact, her culinary career began at age 14, when her father shook her awake one morning and announced, "Baby, I'm going to teach you how to make bread today." From that point on, she further honed her cooking skills at virtually at every hotel kitchen in Las Vegas. 

Joycelyn Toney met Lonnie Chaney in Las Vegas, NV and they were married on February 15, 1962. A beautiful blended family was created through this union to include their children. Alexander (Alex), Della Denise, Lonnie Jr.,  Linda, Lona and Sandra.

Joyce displayed an entrepreneurial spirit, determined to be her own boss and make a difference! She left a comfortable job in culinary occupation to open her first venture, "The Chat N Chew." From the she owned and operated several other diners/cafes/businesses in and around Las Vegas including: Chaney's Lake Mead Hickory Pit, Sunrise Jiffy Market. Park 2000, C's Cotton Club, Sophisticated Lady Hair and Nails (which she obtained for her daughter, Della Denise); and Sunrise Travel Club/Westside Charter Service. 

Joyce loved her family. she enjoyed spending time with them. and they FELT THE SAME about her. It seemed they got enough of each other. You could always find some family member at their house spending time with Joyce on any given day. Her daughter, Denise, refers to her mom as her "Road Dog!' She often says that the roles were reversed when it came to driving. Denise was "Miss Daisy" and Joyce was the chauffeur, as Joyce did most of the driving during travel around town.

She enjoyed people and especially young people. She was referred to as "Mama," by her children and grandchildren's friends. Everyone was welcome at her home. 

To demonstrate her love and dedication to young people, she sponsored the Sunrise Travel Club and the Womack Sophisticated Ladies Drill Teams. These were award-winning drill teams that were involved in various community events. Largely due to her support, they were able to travel and participate throughout the country.

Joyce will be remembered as a strong woman: ambitious, kind nurturing and full of compassion. She was such a giving person, who gave and opened her doors to many, including less fortunate. 

In the early evening of February 12, 2019, God saw fit in His wisdom to call Joycelyn Toney Chaney home to be with Him. Awaiting and rejoicing to see her son, Lonnie Jr.,  who departed this life on January 16, 2016 and her  great grandson, Donald Troutman, Jr., To God be the glory!