Joyce White Williford

Joyce White Williford, of Jackson, age 91, died on Sunday, July 16th, 2023 following an extended illness. Mrs. Williford was born in Meridian, the only child of Mr. B.D. White and Grace McNeill White. Raised by her mother in Meridian and Brookhaven, as her father died when she was 8 years old, Mrs. Williford attended Brookhaven High. She moved on to Belhaven College, where she graduated with a degree in vocal music. While there, she met her beloved husband, H. Shannon “Brother” Williford, Jr., a Jackson native.

She maintained a close bond of 77 years with members of the Brookhaven Belles, a group of her friends from her hometown. A college highlight was being invited to be the soloist on the Belhaven Singing Christmas tree. She also was fond of her short-term employment on the staff of Mississippi Governor Hugh White. As an Air Force wife, Joyce Williford lived in several places, including Cape Cod and Dreux, France. After short stints in Atlanta and Birmingham, the family moved home to Mississippi in 1963 and stayed, living in Jackson, Vicksburg and Madison.

A lifelong Presbyterian, Mrs. Williford loved being a handbell choir and choir member with both Westminster Presbyterian Church in Vicksburg and First Presbyterian Church in Jackson.

Mrs. Williford’s other passions included playing piano (a dear friend and Brookhaven Belle, Lucy Waters, said “Joyce never passed a piano without stopping to play it!”) and giving swimming lessons to youngsters and adults. She was enthusiastic about teaching special reading classes to children and adults. A favorite quote from Mrs. Williford was “Readers will rule the world.” She also enjoyed her longtime membership in the Demitasse Club of Jackson.

Joyce Williford was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years. She is survived by sons, Shannon Williford (Anne) of Pass Christian, MS; Walter Williford (Diane) of Hattiesburg, MS; and Kevin Williford (Susan) of Brandon, MS; and daughter, Elisabeth Williford Ross (Greg) of Jackson; and daughter-in-law, Elizabeth “Brucie” Williford of Madison, MS; and also “extra sons” Ronny Lindstrom and Marcelo Eduardo. Mrs. Williford had ten grandchildren: William McNeill Williford, Linden Williford, George Williford, Wren Ross, Emma Ross Hill (Daniel), Julia Bee Williford, Sam Ross, Gillian Williford, Jennings Williford and Hughey Williford. She also had 3 great grandchildren: Everly, William and Pratchett Hill. Brother and sister-in-law Ed and Sallie Williford of Brookhaven are also Mrs. Williford’s survivors.

Memorial visitation will be Thursday, July 20th at Parkway Funeral Home, Ridgeland, MS from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, with service immediately after.

Memorials may be made to: French Camp Academy, One Fine Place, French Camp, MS 39745 or to a ministry of one’s choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.parkwayfuneralhomeridgeland.com for the Williford family.