JOYCE ANN WILLIAMS

Celebrating the Life & Legacy of Joyce Ann Bynum Williams

On November 19, 1949, in Boykins, Virginia, the world was blessed with the presence of Joyce Ann Bynum Williams—a woman of strength, resilience, and unwavering love. Born to Roy Howard Bynum, Sr. and Annie Lina Francis-Bynum, both of whom preceded her in death, Joyce was the youngest daughter among eight siblings: William Bynum, Elizabeth Waters (deceased), Bernice Swann, Selena Brison, Roy Bynum, Larry Bynum (deceased), Leon Bynum, and Ron Shockley.

Joyce’s early years were shaped by a deep love for education and the strong sense of community she found at William C. Jason High School in Georgetown, Delaware. Though she was required to transition to Greenwood High School during the integration era, she remained W.C. Jason Strong and W.C. Jason Proud—a testament to her unshakable spirit. She later pursued higher education at Delaware State University, ultimately earning her Associate’s Degree from Rose State College in Midwest City, OK, and her Bachelor's and Master’s Degrees from Central State University in Edmond, OK.

Joyce dedicated her professional life to serving and uplifting others. She worked at Langston University before retiring from the Oklahoma County Workforce JTPA Program, where she made a lasting impact on countless lives by advocating for education, employment, and self-sufficiency.

She was united in marriage to Sgt. James Herman Williams, Jr. (deceased), and together they built a legacy of love. She was a devoted mother to Toya Rochelle (deceased), Artia Danielle, and Joyce Dashonay, and a proud grandmother to Shon, Tanieyah, Alyzia, Alana, Tahir (Artia), Nazir, Lina, Asiah, Londyn (Dash), Daviannah, and Lovee (Toya). Her love extended even further to her eight great-grandchildren, whom she adored.

To know Joyce was to love her. A pillar of strength in her family and community, she was never one to shy away from speaking her truth—she told it just like it T-I-IS. She was a storyteller, a historian, and an advocate for Black excellence, education, and civil rights. She carried the stories of segregation and integration with her, using her voice to educate and inspire younger generations.

Joyce loved to read, write, and watch her classic westerns, but don’t be mistaken—she also had a competitive streak! Whether she was playing dominoes, Bid Whist, or Spades, you’d better believe she played to win. And if you visited her home, you weren’t leaving empty-handed—she would have something to sell you, whether it was a toy or another treasure from her flea market finds. Her motto was:
"A toy for every tot that doesn’t cost a lot."

She dreamed of one day returning to the Motherland, Africa, a reflection of her deep pride in her heritage and identity. She instilled that same pride in her family, teaching them to love themselves unapologetically and embrace their history with honor.

A Final Goodbye from Her Grandchildren:

"G-Ma, you taught us to love ourselves in the skin we’re in and to never be apologetic about it. You introduced us to the great old movies, filled our lives with history and wisdom, and always kept it real. We had our ups and downs, but through it all, your love never wavered. We will miss your stories, your strength, and your presence. You were one of a kind, and life will never be the same without you. Rest in power, our Queen."

Joyce Ann Bynum Williams leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and Black excellence. She was one of a kind, and though she may no longer walk among us, her spirit will forever guide those who had the honor of knowing her.

Rest in eternal power, Joyce. Your love and light will never fade.

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