Joyce was a member of Western Boulevard Presbyterian Church for 62 years. A memorial service will be held at the church on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 1:00 pm. A reception and visitation will follow the memorial service. Interment will be private.
Joyce, the daughter of Thomas E. Williams and Cloyce Womble Williams, was born in Chatham County, NC on February 4, 1930.
Joyce was a person of no nonsense ways with preplanned life goals. Her heart was set on becoming a nurse. Helping others was inherent in her mind set. She graduated from Bells High School in 1948 and entered nursing school at the Rex Hospital School of Nursing, Raleigh, NC in 1948. 1951 was a big year for her. She graduated, passed the state board and got married. She began her nursing career at Rex Hospital in 1953 and then with Dr. Gordon Sinclair. She retired from Wake Surgical Consultants in 1989.
Joyce is survived by her husband of 67 years, John Hudson Emerson; daughters, Laura Branch (Doug), Beth Whitacre (Bob Fennel) and Amy McRee (Andy); grandchildren, Michelle Willow (Dustin), Meredith Whitacre, Douglas Branch III (Liz), Ryan Emerson (Jen) and Mitchell McRee; great-granddaughter, McKinley Willow; sister, Dorothy O'Neal (Buddy); and brother, Harold Williams (Sandy). Joyce was preceded in death by her brother, Thomas E. Williams (Frances).
Joyce was totally committed to her family. Her life revolved around her children and grandchildren. She rarely did things for herself, wanting to make sure that her family was happy and healthy. She is gone but we can see her face in the faces of her children and grandchildren. They were so important to her. Her face would light up when she saw or talked to them. Her family was her life.
The family would like to thank the staff of Transitions LifeCare and Rev. Betty Connette for their loving care and support.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Western Boulevard Presbyterian Church, 4900 Kaplan Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606 or Transitions HospiceCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.BrownWynneCary.com
