Born in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, on June 5, 1929, she was the daughter of Allan and Effie Wilmot. She graduated from Kingston Technical School in Jamaica. At the age of 22, she emigrated to London, England. In England, she joined the British Army where she rose to the rank of Lance Corporal. She left the army in 1955 to marry William Bailey. Their marriage would last 43 years until his death. Joyce also worked as a telephone exchange operator.
In the early 1970s, Joyce and her family moved to Brooklyn, New York. She worked in the reconciliations department of European American Bank. After retirement, she moved to Palm Bay, Florida. She was a member of Grace Communion International and Lockmar Baptist Church. For many years, Joyce facilitated the joint Meals-on-Wheels outreach with volunteers from the two churches. She enjoyed reading her bible and inspirational books, writing letters and cards, spending time with friends, singing in the church choir, and praying with others in person and on the phone.
She is survived by her daughters, Allison Bailey and Cheryl Austin; son-in-law Gregory Austin; grandchildren, Elizabeth and Myles; many cherished cousins; and her beloved church family and friends.
There will be a visitation on Friday, October 26 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Fountainhead Funeral Home, 7359 Babcock Street SE, Palm Bay, Florida 32909.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 27 at Lockmar Baptist Church, 700 Emerson Drive NE, Palm Bay, Florida 32907 with entombment at Fountainhead Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
