Our beloved mother, Joyce A. Williams, after battling a long illness, heeded a call from her Lord and Savior on June 18th 2024 and transitioned to her heavenly home, leaving a vacant place in our hearts which can never be filled.
Joyce was born on February 3, 1946, in Norfolk, Virginia to the late James E. and Grace D. Haskins. She was the eldest grandchild on both her paternal and maternal sides of her family. In her youth, Joyce was a member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Berkeley, where she sang in the choir. She received her formal education through the Norfolk Public Schools system; graduating in 1964 from Booker T. Washington High School, where she was a member of the majorette ensemble.
Joyce worked at Naval Station Norfolk in the secretarial pool, where she met the love of her life, Garrett Williams, Jr. After leaving Naval Station Norfolk, she worked at Ford Motor Company in Chesapeake, Va. In 1975 she chose to turn her focus to her most cherished role as a stay-at-home mom and homemaker enabling her to be an active participant in her children’s school and extracurricular activities. She was an energetic member of the PTA, chaperoning numerous school field trips, volunteering as classroom mother and in the school library. She also volunteered with Churchland Little League as team mom and concession stand worker. After raising her children into adulthood, her love for people and service guided her to re-enter the workforce as a private duty nurse. She last worked as a manager at Overton Cleaners in Norfolk, where she frequently reconnected with people from her childhood.
Joyce was a member of Friendship Baptist Church and was baptized alongside her son, Garrett “Bigg”. Sunday mornings she attended church initially leaving her husband behind. She prayed and believed by faith the Lord would grant her prayers and save her husband. By God’s grace, he too was saved and baptized. The two served in church together while their health allowed, Joyce as a member of the adult choir, housekeeping committee and hospitality committee; Garrett as a trustee.
Joyce’s welcoming nature is demonstrated in her community involvement. She was a member of The Martha Chapter of United Order of the Eastern Star where she faithfully served until her health declined. Her life was a beacon of warmth and goodwill. She always extended a helping hand to family, friends and even strangers, embodying a spirit of generosity and love. Her legacy will continue to shine though the lives she touched, the lessons she imparted and the love she shared. Joyce A. Haskins Williams’ journey may have concluded, but her story of love and commitment will be told for generations to come.
Joyce’s nurturing compassion and perseverance made her the heartbeat of the family, which without a doubt was her greatest joy. The depth of love and support she manifested for her children and grandchildren was unshakeable and shaped their lives in countless ways: their memories of surprise birthday balloon bouquets, middle of the night phones calls with laughter as if it was the middle of the day, ending with a giggle and “oops goodnight, but one more thing”, her love of good music, fried oysters, fried crabs, sweet potato pies, sweet tea, strawberry cheesecake blizzards and most recent obsession with Chick-Fil-A chicken sandwiches. Her family will always treasure her beautiful smile, infectious laugh, listening ear and storytelling of family history and fond childhood memories of her grandmothers, aunts, uncles and cousins. As an only child, Joyce did not have any natural born siblings, but she was loved as a big sister or aunt by family and friends alike.
The union of Joyce and Garrett is a true love story producing four children. They were blessed to see 50 years of marriage and 57 years together before the Lord called Garrett home first with Joyce joining him a short eight months later. She was truly heartbroken without him.
Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Garrett Williams Jr., her parents and grandson Joshua. Her legacy continues through her daughters, Felicia Wilson (Charles), DaRelle Williams (Ernest), Terrie Muhammad and son Garrett Williams III (Teneka); grandchildren; Isaiah Wilson, Shatoria Gwynn, Serena Wilson, Taylor Wilson, Jamal Burris, Nafis Muhammad, Nya Muhammad and Simone Williams; her devoted aunt, Gloria Coleman; Godson William “BJ” Hawkins Jr.; a host of cousins, nieces and nephews, and other family and lifelong friends who will carry her memory forward.
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Telathia Harrell says
June 22, 2024 at 9:30 pmMy sincerest condolences to the family on the loss of a beautiful, loving, kind-spirited woman. May she rest in paradise.
Raymond Muhammad says
June 25, 2024 at 11:08 pmMy deepest condolences for your family in the moments of your grief. In death, the value of a person can be seen in what they leave behind. Or in the case of your mother, who she left behind. The beauty of your mother can be seen in each of the children she leaves here with deposits of her spirit sent directly from God. Our prayer is that God has made her transition easy and comfort this family and to make them share equally in her reward from You. We recognize you in them, knowing that everything we love about them started with you. Rest well our love.
Vicky Porter says
June 26, 2024 at 8:56 amStill trying to get over this Shock. Praying for Joyce children and entire family . She was a good friend , always had you laughing. God will give you STRENGTH to walk down this Journey. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽❤️
David Moore says
June 26, 2024 at 12:55 pmMy sincere condolences to DaRelle and the Williams family during this difficult time God knows that you would want her to stay but her race has finished her task is done her rewards awaits her for a Life well pleasing to God may she find eternal peace until you meet her again in Glory
David Moore says
June 26, 2024 at 12:56 pmMy sincere condolences to DaRelle and the Williams family during this difficult time God knows that you would want her to stay but her race has finished her task is done her rewards awaits her for a Life well pleasing to God may she find eternal peace until you meet her again in Glory 🙏🙏
Anita E. Brabson says
June 26, 2024 at 8:20 pmI was saddened to hear of the demise of your mother, Garrett. To Garrett and the Williams Family, your loved one was physically released from the troubles of this world, but she is now in the upper room with her Creator and in spirit, she will always be with you all. She has received her crown of righteousness that only GOD can give. Fear not, for GOD is with you. May GOD make haste to bear you up on eagles wings and bring peace, solace and return unto you the joy of thy salvation.
Anita Brabson says
June 26, 2024 at 8:21 pmI was saddened to hear of the demise of your mother, Garrett. To Garrett and the Williams Family, your loved one was physically released from the troubles of this world, but she is now in the upper room with her Creator and in spirit, she will always be with you all. She has received her crown of righteousness that only GOD can give. Fear not, for GOD is with you. May GOD make haste to bear you up on eagles wings and bring peace, solace and return unto you the joy of thy salvation.
Mark B says
June 26, 2024 at 9:37 pmMy condolences to the Terri, Bigg, and the Williams’ family during this time. Cherish all those memories and share them every chance you get as you heal the way God planned. Your mother is where she wants to be which is next to our Father and her husband. She was called to receive her wings and is now looking down upon you and the family….knowing she has done her job in the physical. Her spirit will always be there for you in your heart ❤️ and mind. God Bless 🙌
Preston "Toot" says
June 27, 2024 at 4:09 pmMy heartfelt condolences to the family. Cousin Joyce always had a kind word for me whenever I saw her, and she will be truly missed. I pray for comfort and strength for the family. Remember, you are not alone.