She was born in Brooklyn, NY on July 2, 1934, the adored first child of Olga Sealy and Oliver Wills. Raised in a loving household with West Indian roots from Barbados and roots from down south Savannah, GA, her parents instilled strong values and a sense of deep personal pride. Although Joyce’s younger brother, Richard, died early, her cousins, Earl, Joan, Sandra, and Robert Graves became like siblings. Dubbed The Fab 5, they made countless childhood memories together including at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, where Joyce was an Acolyte, 2nd Soprano in the choir, and a Girl Scout. She would later accept Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior as a member at Brooklyn’s Christian Cultural Center but, her lifelong walk with God began at St. Philip’s.
Outgoing and kind, even as a teenager, Joyce attended Prospect Heights High School. Intent on a life spent caring for others, she graduated from Caledonia Hospital Nursing School in Queens as a Licensed Practical Nurse and began her career at Bethel Hospital (now Brookdale). She married the love of her life, Phillip Williamson, on April 10, 1955 at St. Philip’s. They were soon joined by their beloved children Linda, Phillip, Michael and Kim. A devoted wife and mother, Joyce immersed herself in the life of her family. With selflessness and great love, Joyce also raised two of her grandchildren, Lynette and Clayton, as her own. They adored her and were constantly uplifted on the wings of her high hopes and unshakeable belief in them.
Joyce was not impressed or moved by material things or competition as she ran her race. She accepted life’s ups and downs, leaning on the power of prayer. Always up for an adventure, she also loved to dance, shop, sing, and create all sorts of arts & crafts. As warm as a summer breeze and as radiant as the stars that light the night sky, all she wanted was to pour love into the world, and she expected nothing in return.
After the deaths of her husband and two of their children, Linda and Michael, Joyce soldiered on without self-pity. She extended her family to include lifelong friends like Ercelle Speck and many others. She continued to embrace life with exuberance, optimism, and a heart for the needs of others – even as her health declined and her own needs multiplied. In 2018, Joyce was diagnosed with Stage 4 kidney disease. Although aggressive dialysis treatments caused heavy fatigue and discomfort, her zest for life stayed strong. But on Dec 1, 2023, surrounded by loved ones at NY Methodist Hospital, Joyce slipped peacefully from this life into the loving arms of her Savior at 6:49 PM.
Joyce is survived by her son Phillip, his wife Rose, and their children Charlene and Phillip, Jr.; daughter Kim and husband Elvin; their children Asia, Omani, Sur, Jai, Manny, Daniel; Granddaughter, Lynette, her husband Charles; their children, Liyana and Ayden; Grandson, Clayton; Great-Grandchildren: Aniya, Naliyah, Damari Zi, Eva, Elijah, Javier, Astarra, Ariele, Matthew Jr., Talia and Mya, as well her beloved cousins Sandra & Robert, his wife Evelyn as well as a host of beloved family members and dear friends.
Joyce’s gorgeous smile, infectious laugh, and boundless love are reflected in everyone she touched during her 89 years. She will forever be missed and loved. She earned her rest in eternal peace.
