Auntie Joyce was not only my aunt but also my godmother, loving me as if I was her child. She appreciated fashion and travel, but most of all she loved the Lord. She introduced me to a host of things, including my favorite movie, "The Sound of Music," her favorite store, "L &T" ( Lord and Taylor), and my first cruise.
Anyone who knows her knows that she was a woman of dignity, who paid careful attention to matters of etiquette. If she ever called you, you could never answer, "Yes." Her response was always, "Yes, who? " to which you would have to reply, "Yes, Auntie Joyce." Now that I have a child of my own, I have a newfound appreciation for my aunt’s high standards of decorum. In fact, Auntie Joyce imparted the same etiquette rules to my daughter, Zadie, when the two of them would talk DAILY.
One thing that might surprise people, is that Auntie Joyce had a lead foot! Don't get me wrong, she was a safe driver, but I was always amazed at the transformation that would take place when she was merging onto the Belt Parkway! She was not to be messed with. Therefore, it was hard to see her autonomy limited in her later years, because in her prime, she drove where she wanted to, bought what she wanted, and traveled as she pleased. The "silver lining" of this devastating loss is that she is no longer in pain.
Finally, it is also worth mentioning that despite her quiet demeanor, she had incredible resolve, serving as a trailblazer and source of support for her family. Words cannot capture the sacrifices that she made for us. I wish I had thanked her more, but for now, all I can do is to help to pay it forward. Thank you, Auntie Joyce! Rest in eternal peace