Williams, OP, Sister Joyce born in Detroit, MI died on March 17, 2023. She was 81years old and a Dominican Sister for 63 years.
Sister Joyce received a bachelor’s degree in foods and nutrition from Michigan State University, a Master of Management from Aquinas College, a Master of Pastoral Ministry and Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Aquinas Institute of Theology and was a Board-Certified chaplain with the National Association of Catholic Chaplains.
Sister Joyce served as staff dietician and consultant at Kent Community Hospital and Kent Oaks Hospital; Administrator at Aquinata Hall, Chaplain at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital where she was known for her special gift for working with ophthalmology patients. Her own personal experience with corneal transplantation gave her firsthand experience with the suffering and loss of diminished vision. While at the hospital in St. Louis, she also served as sacristan and mentored students in educational programs offered by the pastoral care department.
Sister Joyce enjoyed photography and created lovely cards with images of her work. She loved her family, her Dominican community and those with whom she worked and served. She will be keenly missed.
Sister Joyce was preceded in death by her parents James Williams and Catherine Theresa Young, her four brothers Lawrence, James Joseph, Edmund, Francis; her sisters-in-law Margaret Simons Williams and Helen Horan Williams; brother-in-law: Perry Brantley Yarrington.
Sr. Joyce is survived by her brothers Thomas (Louise Steffes) Williams, Gerald (Theresa Weber) Williams, Kenneth Williams; her sisters Mary Jane Yarrington, Rita Williams (John Gill); her Dominican Sisters Catherine, Jean and Joan Williams; her sisters-in-law Paula Joan Pitch Williams, Theresa Mari Williams, and Anne Matola Williams; many nieces, nephews, friends and members of her Dominican Community.
In an effort to protect our vulnerable population from the Covid-19 virus a private Funeral Mass with vaccinated immediate family members and Sisters will be celebrated at Chapel of the Word, Marywood on Tuesday, March 21. Masks are required.
Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials in Sister Joyce Williams’ name may be made to the Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters.