Born and raised in the West Indian Island of Trinidad.  Joyce came to America to pursue a career in healthcare.  She was raised by a family with strong faith and her family always emphasized the importance of assisting others. 

Joyce dedicated forty years at Newport Hospital where she not only developed a career, but a mission as well.  Over the years, she worked in numerous departments in the hospital, namely, OBGYN, Medical Surgery, Recovery Room, Phlebotomy, CSR Tech and retired working in Ambulatory Surgery.  She is now a certified nursing assistant with Visiting Nurse Services of Newport and Bristol Counties.  Joyce also volunteers at Newport City Hall.

Joyce took great pride in caring for her patients. She was passionate about discovering what makes people joyful, and then makes it happen for them.  Joyce doesn’t just care for the physical but the emotional. 

She also prided herself on her accomplishments.  She was the recipient of the John Dorney Award in April 25, 1986; she received it in recognition for her professionalism of patient care.  In 2001 Joyce was nominated for the Home and Committee Care Worker of the Year.

Joyce found numerous organizations,  She was a longtime member of Mt. Zion A.M.E Church, where she served as President of the Missionary Society and on the Stewardess Board.  She provided families with Christmas and Thanksgiving baskets.  No matter how busy she was, she always finds time to visit the sick and shut-in, to ensure their needs are met.  She provides rides to the hospital for patients without transportation.  She was a member of the Newport Hospital Employee Fund.  Joyce was also a member of the National Advancement for Colored People where she served in great capacity; Chairperson of NAACP Health Fair 2003-2007; served on the committee for the NAACP Anniversary Banquet for five years; Chairperson of the National Kidney Foundation Walkathon (2003).  She was a member of the Newport Women’s League (2005-2008).  In May 2010 she received an award for Excellence in Customer Service for surgical services.  For 10 years Joyce volunteered at the Navy War College to assist international students with foreign sponsors.  She befriended many of the students and their families.  She provided clothes to shelters namely; the Child and Family Services Shelter and she sends clothes overseas to places such as Africa. Joyce worked closely with the Martin Luther King Center in Newport. She was the Chairperson for the MLK Birthday Prayer Breakfast, she participated in the Annual Food Drive held at MLK, and she was a board member for the Martin Luther King Center. 

On May, 2008 Joyce participated in her life journey.  She traveled to Ghana to participate in an overseas mission with New Covenant Church International in Providence, RI.  Joyce and several others visited clinics in seven villages and worked diligently providing care for the people of Ghana.  This trip forever changed her.  She was struck by the poverty and devastation and knew God had a bigger plan for her life.  Over the years She accomplished twelve outreach missions for Haiti.  She is now on her twelfth year of her Haiti drive.  Joyce teamed with Elmood Avenue Church of God and the supplies that have been donated have gone to Jereme, Haiti (hospitals), Asile Communal (nursing home), Beudet in Croix des Bouquet (psychiatric hospital), Fem Kado Yon Pie (an organization that helps people who were affected by the earthquake). 

Each year, Mrs. Watts asks the community to help contribute food, school supplies, clothes and more to send to impoverished countries. This particular initiative is for Haiti.

Her accomplishments have allowed her to be featured in Lifespan News, the Newport Daily News and countless other editorials. 

The Lord called Joyce home to glory September 3, 2023. She was a long time resident in Newport, RI. Joyce is survived by her daughters, Michele Powell, Amanda Dawson, her two grandsons, Kashawn Dawson and Kyle Simmers and her great granddaughter, Naomi Dawson. Joyce had a spirit of generosity and knew no bounds; she touched countless lives across the globe with her selflessness and unwavering commitment to helping others. With her untimely passing her family is dedicated to keeping her legacy alive.