Joyce Doretha Maya Williams

Raised by her grandparents, Narvell Johnson and George Rowe, in Rodessa, she moved to Seattle, Washington as a young woman to pursue her education. She graduated with honors from Garfield High School and went on to attend Seattle University, where she was among the few people of color to earn a degree in 1965 - a powerful achievement during a time of limited access and opportunity. Her presence and perseverance helped pave the way for others.

A woman of deep faith and fierce conviction, Joyce was a lifelong member of People’s Institutional Baptist Church, where she served faithfully as a Sunday school teacher and missionary. She was also passionate about civil rights and a proud champion of the NAACP, raising her voice for justice on the streets of Seattle. Among her proudest contributions was her involvement in the movement to rename a major street running through the heart of the Black community to Martin Luther King Jr. Way - a lasting tribute to the civil rights leader and the values she herself embodied.

She was the proud and devoted mother of her only child, Sherise aka “Niki.” But her mothering extended far beyond blood - throughout Niki’s upbringing, she welcomed many roommates and friends into her home, offering guidance, comfort, and unconditional love. She was a mother to all who needed one.

In 2009, she chose to change her middle name to “Maya,” a name that resonated deeply with her identity. In Greek, “Maya” means “mother” - a truth she embodied every day of her life.

As the eldest of ten siblings, she carried the mantle of leadership and love with grace.

She leaves behind three loving sisters, two devoted brothers, her daughter Sherise aka “Niki,” two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and a host of beautiful nieces, nephews, and chosen family who will continue to celebrate the life of this extraordinary spirit.

She will be remembered for her boundless compassion, her quiet strength, and her ability to make everyone feel seen and cherished. Whether through her warm smile, her wise counsel, or her gentle humor, she left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 12:30 to 3:00 PM at Evergreen-Washelli Funeral Home in Seattle, Washington. In honor of her vibrant spirit, guests are encouraged to wear Purple and share stories that reflect the beauty she brought into the world.

Her legacy is love. Her story is strength. Her memory is eternal.