Joyce Vivian Holliday Watson or, “Joycee” as she was lovingly known, passed away peacefully in her home in Dallas on the morning of May 28, 2023, at the age of 97. Joyce lived a beautiful life filled with love and laughter, and will be sorely missed by her family and friends. She is remembered as a woman of deep faith that adored her family most, cherished her friendships, and made everyone that met her feel loved and welcomed.
Joyce Vivian Holliday Watson was born on July 17, 1925, to Emma Maye and Charles Clem Holliday in Nashville, Ark. She enjoyed growing up on her family land with her 11 brothers and sisters.
After meeting the love of her life and making him chase her for a bit, Joyce married her soulmate, J.L. Watson, on Jan. 16, 1945. Together they raised their four children and lived out a fairytale love story until J.L. tragically passed in 1976.
Joyce began working shortly thereafter and enjoyed her time at Charlton Methodist Hospital, a patient accountant until she retired in 1990.
Joyce enjoyed sewing, quilting, working in her yard, visiting with family and friends and watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up. She didn’t necessarily enjoy cooking, but anyone who shared a meal with her would agree she was an incredible cook. Joyce also loved to laugh, and had the silliest sense of humor. Joyce was a fervent prayer warrior who loved the Lord and shared Him and His love with everyone she met.
Joyce is preceded in death by her mother, father, husband, grandson Blake Taylor Long, daughter-in-law Kathleen McNally, her 11 brothers and sisters, and countless other loved ones and friends.
She is survived by her children, Shada Driver and her husband Gary, John Watson, Jeannie Long, Dana Berendzen and her husband Craig; her four grandchildren, Hollie Long, Chase Berendzen and his wife Lindsey, Jaymie Batten and her husband Richard, Andrew Berendzen and his wife Brianna; and her five great-grandchildren Annie, Vivian, and Leah Berendzen and Jay and Hank Batten.
If you knew Joyce, you loved her and you knew she loved you. We were blessed for 97 years with her on earth and know she wants us to smile and rejoice, celebrating God’s goodness and a life well live
She was also a 1944 Scrapper graduate who never forgot her wonderful childhood and growing up in Nashville.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.laurellanddallas.com for the Watson family.
