Joyce J. Chandler Blackman

Joyce Jeanetta Chandler Blackman, originally of Port of Spain, Trinidad W.I. and finally 16 Oak Pass Loop, Ocala, Florida, peacefully entered paradise on Tuesday August 22, 2017. Joyce was born to the late Ina Chandler and John Kerr on December 17, 1930. Joyce was the third of five siblings: Zita (d), Milton (d), Sheila (d), and Noel.

Joyce grew up on the twin island of Trinidad and Tobago, and had fond memories of her family, childhood, friends, and school days. She studied cosmetology, a profession which she practiced in Trinidad &Tobago and the U.S.A.

On January 15, 1949, Joyce married Alexander A. Blackman. She accompanied him to Aruba, where they had their first child, Roslyn. Joyce later returned to Trinidad where they had Reginald, Lynette and Angela. Joyce continued to live in St. James, Trinidad where she cared for the children while her husband worked offshore as a merchant marine, and was usually away for many months at a time.

In 1960, the family moved to Brooklyn, NY and in 1962 they realized the American dream of home ownership. Here in East New York, Joyce enjoyed tending a small flower garden in her front yard and seasonal vegetable garden in the back.

Joyce joined the workforce as a Nurse Aid and Ward Clerk, first at Unity Hospital and then at Lutheran Hospital, from where she retired. She often related stories of the children she cared for and the love she held for them. Because of her superb job performance, she was recognized for her high quality of work.

In New York, Joyce worshipped and fellowshipped at Pilgrim Chapel, where she served as Treasurer and was awarded for her faithfulness and service.

In 1986, Joyce moved to Ocala, Florida where she spent her retirement years. Joyce loved living in Ocala, one reason being that she now had a big enough yard to plant as big a garden as she could. She had a beautiful green thumb. Whether it was flowers, citrus, sorrel, cane, melons, persimmon, peas, beans, papaya… name it, it grew well under her care. Because of the bountiful yield, and that green thumb, she had plenty to share with her community of friends.

Joyce shared her home just as she shared the fruits of her labor. Her doors were always open to anyone coming through, whether for a day, one night or many nights. This was a valuable lesson she taught her children. Joyce left fond memories to those who visited her because she always had a gift to offer at their departing.

In Florida, Joyce became a member of the Silver Springs Shores S.D.A church. She never needed to be told what to do. She took joy in caring for the sick and elderly. Cooking, baking, driving, whatever the need was, she was there. She continued this even as her own health declined. People came to love her cooking and baking, and even when she could no longer eat certain foods, she would prepare them for others. Joyce formed close relationships at her place of worship and in her community.

Joyce was an excellent swimmer and visited the community center frequently. There she developed a relationship with the lifeguards. When she became physically challenged, they endeared themselves to her, providing assistance so she could continue this sport she enjoyed.

Joyce was a no non-sense person who fiercely maintained her independence by driving either her vehicle or her Jazzy scooter to get around. She didn’t believe in wasting time. Each moment could be spent doing something good. There is always something to be done and she was willing to learn and do anything, including plumbing, electrical and carpentry. Give her a chance and she would build a house in 3 months, she would say. If you were around her, you’d better be willing to learn and do. And if you didn’t know, she would teach you.

Joyce was truly a teacher and a doer. As a mother and friend, she taught many aspects of life. She also loved music and always had a song. Most important was her love for our Creator God, a love she passed on to her children, grandchildren and to anyone with whom she was in contact. One belief dear to her was “make wherever you are a better place before you leave.” She has done that with her home, her gardens, and her life as she reached out and touched others.

Colossians 3:23 - “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for God, not men.” Joyce Blackman has lived this verse well.

Joyce has left us a great legacy of love, kindness, service to others, and a love for God. Examples we can all cherish and follow.

May eternal rest and peace be granted to her, and to us a peace that passes all understanding.

Joyce was preceded in death by her brother Milton and sisters Zita and Sheila, her children Reginald and Lynette, and grandchildren Lorraine, Aisha, and Richard.

Left to mourn are her brother Noel and sister-in-law Gloria, her daughters Roslyn Watson (of Ocala) and Angela Ingrid Wright (of Gainesville), nieces, nephews, sons and daughters-in-law, cousins, god-children, 19 grandchildren, 28 great-grands, 1 great-great grand, great nieces and nephews, and friends near and far.

Lovingly written and submitted in her honor and memory by her daughter Roslyn Patricia Blackman Watson.