Leilah “Joyce” Waters of Cayce, SC went to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 22, 2026. She was born in Columbia, SC, and was the daughter of Walter A. and Leilah Mae Bledsoe. She graduated from Brookland-Cayce High School, and had a long career with Lexington School District Two working as a secretary for several different schools.
Joyce loved being with her family and friends the most. She enjoyed going on many cruises, mountain trips, and RV vacations with her husband, Ray. She also loved going on yearly family vacations to the beach with her husband, kids, and grandkids. Joyce was a founding member of Trinity Baptist Church, and she enjoyed going to her Sunday school class every week, as well as Joy Club. She loved to read and passed that love down to her grandchildren. Joyce cherished Christmas decorations and her holiday village set up. She was a passionate Gamecock football fan, loved everything Elvis, enjoyed going on long walks with her husband, and swinging on the front porch.
Joyce is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Ray Waters; daughter, Kim (Mike) Evans; grandchildren who knew her as “Nana,” Bryce Evans and Sydney (Kyle) Chavis; and sister, Donna Hardy.
She was predeceased by her parents, Walter A. and Leilah Mae Bledsoe; and son, Russell “Rusty” Waters.
The family will receive friends Friday, October 30, 2026 at 1:00 PM for visitation and service at 2:00pm at Trinity Baptist Church - 2003 Charleston Hwy, Cayce, SC 29033.
Graveside service will follow at Southland Memorial Gardens - 700 W Dunbar Street, West Columbia, SC 29170.
