Bernice Rosemary (Watts) Joyner

Remembering Bernice Rosemary Watts Joyner

April 28, 1928 - August 4, 2021

Bernice Rosemary Watts Joyner, of Orlando, Florida, passed away peacefully at home 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 where she was in the National Beta Club, the Glee Cub and on the women’s basketball team.  This lovely young woman also held the honor of Most Athletic Girl. Throughout her life, Bernice loved singing in community choirs, ballroom dancing, camping out with her twin sons, canoeing on Florida rivers and any chance to see wildlife and experience nature.

The youngest child of the late Ollen Onslow Watts and Nellie Huffaker Watts of Tabor City, and adored sister of the late Geneva Watts Dyches of Wilmington, Bernice is survived by two beloved elder brothers Stewart Watts and his wife Miriam, and Carol Watts and his wife Gracie Arnette, all of Tabor City.

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 of Charleston, SC.  She was predeceased by her eldest son, Charles Thomas Joyner in 1968. 

A proud grandmother of 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 be the great-grandmother of three girls: Isabelle Peach Sias, Violet-Evie Wilson and Vienna Rose Wilson. Even in her last days it gave her great joy to watch videos of her great-granddaughters.  One of her final requests was that we encourage Isabelle, Violet-Evie and Vienna to continue their music studies. 

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

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

All our love,

Jeannie, Bob, and Bill

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, November 27, 2021 at Spivey Cemetery on Will Inman Road in Tabor City.

A service of Inman Ward Funeral Home and Crematory of Tabor City.

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