Joyce Williams

Betty Joyce Howard Williams, age 93, died peacefully at her home in Macon on December 29 surrounded by loving family members.  A homegoing service will be held at Riverside United Methodist Church on Thursday, January 4th at 11:00 with burial afterward at Evergreen Cemetery, the Reverend Doctor John M. Brown officiating.  The family will receive friends in the hour preceding the service in the church’s Gathering Space.

Joyce was born in Macon on March 21, 1930 to the late Horace J. and Nora Edmundson Howard. A child of the Depression, she learned valuable work ethics and held many jobs beginning at Triangle Pharmacy as a soda jerk when she was just a young teenager. After graduating from Smith High School in 1948, she became a “Number please” operator for Southern Bell; later she kept books for the Borden Company; but the job she loved best was working as a bailiff for Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, then as the secretary for the bailiff’s office where she remained for 20 years until her retirement. She was respected and loved by her co-workers and all of the courthouse employees.

A devout Christian, Joyce became a loyal Methodist after joining Lynmore Methodist Church at 15.  At Lynmore, she served in many capacities: as a member of the Shaw Memorial Sunday School Class, as a member of and frequent bus driver for the United Methodist Women (Sunshine Circle), and as an avid traveler with Ages & Stages.  Joyce used her “God-given” musical talents there also. She delighted her Sunday School class and the congregation with her unique piano playing, and she was a gifted soprano in the choir. She was often asked to sing solos at weddings and funerals at her church and throughout Macon.  She later joined Riverside United Methodist Church in her 70s where she was a member of the Woodruff Sunday School Class and the Circle of Love.

Because of her outgoing personality, kindheartedness, generosity, and loyalty to those she loved, Joyce turned acquaintances into lifelong friends. Her unique laugh was infectious.  She enjoyed walking on the beach, embarking on impromptu trips with friends, going to her granddaughter Ellen’s choir concerts, and sitting on her porch enjoying her flowers with her daughter Kelly.  Her greatest love was her family. She willingly sacrificed her desires and needs for her mother and her children, including the many children she counted as her own!  Her granddaughter Ellen knows with certainty that she was the best Grandma in the world. Of course, Joyce agreed!

In addition to her parents, Joyce is predeceased by her husband, Billy Williams; and siblings, Alicia Howard Boatright and Horace J (Harry) Howard.  She is survived by her daughter Kelly Wadford, granddaughter Ellen (Jared) Etheridge, and several devoted nieces and nephews, including Mike Howard, Jan (Louie) Boatright Cayere, and Alicia Patron.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Riverside Methodist Church, the Methodist Home for Children and Youth, or your favorite charity would be appreciated.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences.

Hart’s on Cherry Street, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 765 Cherry Street, Macon, GA 31201 has charge of the arrangements.