Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Hulon Cadenhead and Othell Day. She is survived by one son, Matthew (Gaynelle) of Lumberton, NC, a brother Alan Day (Joanne) of Laurel Hill, FL, two grandsons, Bradley Patterson (Tiffani) of Whiteville, NC, Andrew Patterson of Lumberton, and one great grandchild, Parker.

Joyce was a retired educator who taught in Dillon County (S.Carolina) School Systems and in Alabama where her focus was on children with special needs. It was her lifelong calling. She received her undergraduate degree in accounting and a Master degree in education from Troy State University. When not teaching, she spent her spare time watching whichever sport her two grandsons were playing. She loved watching them play anything and everything even if she didn't understand all the rules. She always left them with "LYL", which was her code for "Love You Lots".

Joyce was a member of the Mayor's Committee for the Challenged of Lumberton, NC where she served as Chair for several years. The Mayor's Committee focused on providing portable ramps for people with mobility issues. Joyce also served Bak Pak Pals of Communities in Schools of Robeson County. Once a week, she and a group of volunteers packed over 200 meals for children who had been identified as having nutritional needs that were not being met at home. As a result of her volunteer work, she was presented with the Governor's Award in 2015 by the Mayor and City Council of Lumberton.

Joyce didn't want anyone to "make a fuss" over her in death. Per her wishes, there will be a small graveside service for family and close friends at Almarante Cemetery in Laurel Hill, Florida at a later date.