Wilma Joyce Stokes Williams

Wilma Joyce Stokes Williams, 90, of Amarillo, Texas went to be with her Heavenly King on February 4, 2024, and was welcomed into Heaven by her Earthly King, Douglas Williams.

Joyce was born in Amarillo, Texas on March 21, 1933, to Azalia N. Harris and Robert Stokes. She was raised by her stepfather, Wilborn Williams after the passing of her father, Robert. She attended Patton Elementary School and Carver School where she graduated as the Valedictorian of her class. She attended Amarillo College where she received her associate degree in vocational nursing. She was among the group of first black students to attend Amarillo College. Mrs. Joyce was known for being the best “teacher’s night” banquet chair they ever had on the Carver reunion. She introduced and started the tradition of the fashion show for the Patton Reunions.

Joyce married her lifetime sweetheart, the late Douglas Eugene Williams, on November 12, 1953. Through that union they had two daughters, Olga and Inger.

She worked at Northwest Texas Hospital and Amarillo State Center which is now known as Texas Panhandle Centers Behavioral and Developmental Health. Joyce served as a board member of the Area Agency on Aging.

Joyce was a loving and kind nurse to her clients, whom she adored dearly. After her retirement, she continued on as a contract nurse.

Joyce was one of the oldest pillars of the community. She found Christ at an early age and became a faithful member at Carter Chapel C.M.E. Church where she served as the church secretary for over 40 years. Joyce was one of the eldest standing members of Carter Chapel. In later years, she attended Johnson Chapel A.M.E. Church under Rev. Phillip Randle. She served the homeless community at Tyler Resources; she was known there as the “lady with the gumbo.” She loved to shop, scratch lottery tickets better known as “fun things”, bingo, solitaire, and jigsaw puzzles. Her favorite family tradition was playing Fan Tan with her family. She also looked forward to receiving her monthly tickets from her niece, Margot.

Mrs. Williams and her late husband hosted many memorable Super Bowl parties on “The Hill.” She enjoyed traveling, cooking Sunday meals with her family, gardening, and giving special orders to take care and water her plants. During her last years, she enjoyed morning coffee and pie with her grandson, Derrick, and according to her daughter Inger and granddaughter Ta’Mikka, he was the only one who could make the coffee to her liking. He was her favorite grandson! A few of her phrases were “he’s a gentleman and scholar”, “bushel in a peck – a hug around the neck, I love you.” (Sung daily by granddaughter, Mikka).

Her most favorite and the most memorable phrase, “I heard your foot when it hit the bridge the first time.” If you know, you know. One of her favorite memories was Ballroom and Waltz dancing with Uncle T.O.

Joyce loved Oxtails Thursdays, Wine Fridays, and midnight Cheetos and coffee. Her infectious smile, granny wisdom, and kind heart warmed many individuals. They still call her Mama Joyce, Granny Goose, Joyce May, Joybie Lynn, and Brown Shuga. She also enjoyed Saturday trips to the farmers market with her dear friend, Aunt Sally Austin.

Inger’s favorite time with her was night talks, and late night snack time. She was a wise and compassionate lady that had a large amount of adopted grandkids. Her heart was golden, and she had the ability of not judging you off of your last worst moment.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Olga Renee Williams; and her husband, Douglas Eugene Williams.

Survivors include her daughter, Inger D. Williams; her granddaughter, Ta’Mikka LaShae’ Williams-Bryant and husband Derrick; 4 bonus daughters, Marcia Taylor-Diggs, Lisa Malachi, Rachel Cofer, and Barbara Palmer; her sister, Janet “Zate” Ragsdale and husband John; cousins, Felicia Harris-Hudson and Terry Wayne Harris; nieces, Radeous Harper and Jacque Manning; special sister in love, Doris Faye and husband Paul; her favorite grandpups Nova and Zoe (Little Legs); and a host of nieces, nephews, and many loved ones.

The family would like to thank BSA Compassion Home Health for their compassionate staff, Jennifer Gonzales, Brook, Kylie, Jennifer Seay, and Kimberly. A special thanks to Dr. Earl (Flipper) Smith, Dr. LA White, Karen Stephenson, and Peggy Ladd and family.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 P.M. – 7:30 P.M., Friday, February 9, 2024, at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home. Services will be at 1:00 P.M., Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church with Senior Pastor KT Butler officiating. Burial will be at Llano Cemetery. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, Amarillo.