On May 11, 2020, Joyce Virginia Rose went to be with the Lord. Joyce was born to Catherine Collins Nurse and Newsam Munro on April 4, 1936, in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Joyce deeply cared for individuals. Thus, her pursuit of a career in nursing was more than a choice; it was her calling. After graduating from Milton Cato Hospital (formerly, Colonial Hospital) in Saint Vincent, Joyce began her career as a nurse and midwife, working throughout the mainland.
In 1961, she immigrated to the United States and furthered her education, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing/Community Health from St. Francis College. Joyce worked as a nurse for several decades, including taking on a management position at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, where she mentored countless nurses.
Joyce sacrificed much in life so that each member in her family could pursue their aspirations. As a trailblazer, Joyce eagerly arranged for many of her family members to immigrate to the United States, including her mother, stepfather, and her siblings. As the family matriarch, she provided emotional, spiritual, and financial support to just about anyone who asked, in their time of need.
Joyce lived a rich and principled life, consistent with her Christian faith, emphasizing grace and mercy to all. She considered The Church a source of strength and comfort and held sacred the eternal nature of her belief. She also admired the ability of the church to weather adversity. She was a member of St. John’s United Methodist Church for over 30 years, active in the choir and Bible Study until her health declined in her later years. She was also a proud member of the Theta Chi chapter of the Chi Eta Phi Nursing Sorority.
After birth, and through the present, Joyce matured into a woman of distinction. She proudly exited this world in a manner befitting her reputation, with dignity and grace. The world is a little dimmer with her departure, but to all who came in contact with her, there remains a golden legacy of memories. Surely, that in itself, is cause for pride and contentment.
She was preceded in death by her father, Newsam Munro, her husband, George Rose of many years, her mother, Catherine Nurse, and her brother, Allan Collins. Left to mourn her passing are her sisters, Orma "Urcie" Thomas and Artilda Collins, many loved ones, including, Samantha Rose, her stepdaughters, nieces and nephews, cousins, countless godchildren, friends, and her beloved church family at St. John’s United Methodist Church.
Done in Sorrow,
The Family
