Joyce C. Revere

Joyce Calhoun Revere, age 81, of Dayton, Ohio, transitioned peacefully at home with family by her side on Thursday, August 3, 2022, after a lengthy illness. She was born April 26, 1941, in Dayton, Ohio to the late Fred D. and Louise B. (Harrison) Calhoun.

Joyce was a proud graduate of Roosevelt High School, Class of 1961. Following high school, she worked at Ohio Bell as a Switchboard Operator. In the summer of 1969, while still working full-time as a single working parent, she enrolled in classes at Central State University and in her words “by the Grace of God”, she completed a 4-year program in 2 1/2 years earning her degree in Education with Magna Cum Laude Honors. Through faith and determination, she continued her matriculation of education by earning her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Administration from Wright State University.

At an early age Joyce accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and faithfully served as a lifelong member of Phillips Temple C.M.E. Church. She passionately served as Director of Board of Christian Education on both local and district levels, the Board of Hospitality, Stewardess Board, Missionary Rose of Sharon Circle-Chair, Family Fun Night Chair and Adult Women’s Sunday School Teacher.

In 1977, she was united in marriage to a wonderful man, Lloyd E. Revere (aka Mr. Mary Kay), where they shared 30 years together before his passing in 2007. Together they shared four beautiful daughters Sharmin, Bridget, Shelly, and Lorna; and six fabulous grandchildren.

Joyce would always say she was placed on this earth to motivate, empower, and inspire others to strive for excellence. Her philosophy: “All persons can achieve what the mind conceives if they have a positive mental attitude.”  She demonstrated this throughout her employment career with Ohio Bell Telephone Company, Dayton Public School as an Elementary Teacher; Central State University- Director of the Employment and Training programs; and The Dayton Urban League.  After retirement Joyce returned to the classroom as a long-term Substitute Teacher with the Dayton Public Schools, to fulfill what she viewed as a form of ministry to educate and empower our youths.

True to her nature and reflective of her childhood when she made and sold potholders, jewelry and cakes, Joyce continued with her entrepreneurial spirit when she joined Mary Kay Cosmetics as an Independent Sales Consultant. Through her team building and leadership she became an Independent Senior Sales Director where she earned twelve cars four of which were the Pink Cadillac. Because of her “believe to achieve” attitude in 1985 she became the founder and CEO of Midwestern Training Academy, offering employment soft skills training and development in the Retail Sales and Hospitality Industries; for persons 55+ years of age living in Dayton, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Chillicothe. In concurrence she established Revere’s Personnel Services which recruited employers; trained, secured, and placed individuals in temporary or permanent employment positions.

Her commitment to community service includes, but not limited to, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Mary Scott Nursing Center Emeritus Board Member, Ohio Statewide Health Coordinating Council, and Edgemont Neighborhood Community Center-volunteer.

Joyce Calhoun Revere loved people, skating, dancing, laughing and GOOD FOOD.

She was preceded in death by husband, Lloyd E. Revere; parents, Fred D. Calhoun and Louise Calhoun Hancock; brother, Reverend Lee H. Calhoun; sister, Lawanda Hancock Calhoun; and stepmother, Dorothy L. (Dottie) Calhoun.

Left to celebrate her legacy are, a devoted and loving daughter, Sharmin Black (Larry); two dedicated grandchildren, Brittany and Gregory Thornton, Sr. (Sharon), also including grandchildren, Jordan and Tanner Finn, Devin and Eric Shirley; four great grandchildren, Gregory, Jr., Christian, LaMya, and Lauryn; one great-great grandchild, baby Kaleb; siblings, Carrie J. Horne of Navato, CA, William E. Calhoun (Tanya) of Hamilton, OH., Ras Roderick Calhoun (Tatenda) of Dayton, OH, Frederick D. Calhoun, of Dayton, OH, Vickie Harris (Bruce) of Lawton, OK, Terry L. Hancock of Dayton, OH, Anthony D. Calhoun of Henderson, NV, and Rory Calhoun of Dayton, OH; stepdaughters, Bridget (Steve) Shirley, Shelly (John) Finn, Lorna Revere; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends, including special nieces, Duana and Rellanda Hancock.

Funeral service will be held 11 am Thursday, August 11, at Phillips Temple C.M.E. Church, 3620 Shiloh Springs Rd. Visitation 9 am until the time of service. Family will receive friends one hour prior to service. Interment Dayton National Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to House of Wheat Funeral Home, Inc.

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