In loving memory of
Bernice Joyner

• April 28, 1928
• -
• August 04, 2021

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Remembering Bernice Rosemary Watts Joyner

April 28, 1928-August 4, 2021

Bernice Rosemary Watts Joyner, of Orlando, Florida, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at the age of 93.

Retired from the American Red Cross, Bernice continued to have a wonderful mind, a beautiful singing voice and a love of music. She graduated Class of 1945 from Tabor City High in North Carolina where she was in the National Beta Club, the glee club and on the women’s basketball team.  This beautiful young woman also held the honor of Most Athletic Girl. Throughout her life, Bernice loved ballroom dancing, camping out with her twin sons, canoeing on Florida rivers and any chance to see wildlife and experience nature.

Bernice was a devoted mother to William “Bill” Joyner of Orlando, FL, Robert “Bob” Joyner of Hollywood, FL, Jean Joyner “Jeannie” Sias and her husband John Sias, of Charleston SC, and the late Charles Thomas Joyner who predeceased her in 1968.

Bernice was the youngest daughter of Ollen Onslow Watts and Nellie Huffaker Watts of North Carolina, and adored sister of the late Geneva Watts Dyches of Wilmington, NC and half-brother, the late Bennie Watts, also of Wilmington.  Bernice is survived by her beloved elder brothers Stewart Watts and his wife Miriam, and Carol Watts and his wife Gracie Arnette, all of Tabor City, NC.

A loving grandmother to Justin Sias of Charleston, SC, Jeremy Sias and wife Angela of San Jose, CA, Jessica Sias Wilson and husband Simon “Sid” Wilson of York, England, “Grandma Bernice” was delighted to also be the great-grandmother of Isabelle Peach Sias, Violet-Evie Wilson and Vienna Rose Wilson.  Even in her last days it gave her great joy to see videos of her great-granddaughters.  One of her final requests was that we encourage these young girls to continue their music studies.

She was “Aunt Bernice” to nieces and nephews Tommy, David, Tim, Debbie, Melanie, Alan, Cheryl and Vikki. She was so proud of them and blessed by the love and affection they showed to her in return.

Mama, you gave your children your whole heart.  You always made us feel safe and loved. We can’t begin to express the appreciation and the love we feel for you.  You will be greatly missed.

All our love,

Jeannie, Bob and Bill