Obituary

In loving memory of Joyce Metts Cameron

April 1, 1936 – October 30, 2024

Joyce Metts Cameron, 88, was called to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on the morning of October 30, 2024, while residing in Ormond Beach, FL with her daughter near her side. A celebration of her life will be held 2 PM on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Baldwin Brothers Funeral Home, 1185 W. Granada Blvd, Unit 11, Ormond Beach, FL 32174.

Joyce was born on April 1, 1936, in Columbia, SC, and grew up in the Denny Terrace neighborhood. She was the oldest of three children of the late Tommy Lee Metts, Sr. and the late Delmar Lois LeGrande Metts. She graduated from Eau Claire High School and attended the University of South Carolina where she was a drum majorette in the university band. She met her late husband of 61 years, Dr. Robert Speir Cameron (Bob), while attending USC and they married in 1955. After moving to Ormond Beach, FL in 1963, Joyce followed her childhood dream of becoming a Registered Nurse and graduated from the Daytona Beach Jr. College (now Daytona State College) Nursing Program on May 6, 1970. She worked for many years as a Registered Nurse in Volusia County which included Emergency/Trauma nursing at Halifax Hospital and Oncology Nursing for a private practice.

After retiring from nursing, Joyce pursued a second career as a Travel Agent and Certified Cruise Counselor, a profession that allowed her to share her love of travel with others. She was an accomplished musician and in her teens through her 20's shared her talent as a church organist, and throughout her life enjoyed singing and playing the piano for friends and relatives. Joyce and Bob enjoyed a lifelong love of tennis, dancing, and travel together. They were active members of several local tennis clubs, square dance clubs and clogging groups; performing throughout Volusia County. In their later years, they enjoyed extensive nationwide traveling in their RV with their dear friends, Vern and Dolores Johns, with whom they made many cherished memories, and often traveled worldwide exploring other countries. After Bob's retirement they lived part time in Hendersonville, NC for several years. Joyce's personality was as bright as her smile. Outgoing and warm, she never met a stranger, and she had an uncanny ability to make everyone feel like an old friend. She will be remembered for her kindness and infectious spirit.

Joyce is survived by her daughter, Elisa Cameron Maxwell (husband Troy Maxwell) of Palm Coast, FL; her son, Christopher L. Cameron (wife Marty P. Cameron) of Ponce Inlet, FL; her beloved granddaughter, Kelly Cameron Virgilio (husband Aaron Virgilio) of Orlando, FL; her brother, Tommy L. Metts Jr. (wife Mary Jane Metts) of Columbia, SC; her niece Cynthia (Cameron) Colony (husband Wayne Colony) of Aiken, SC; three nephews Tommy L. Metts III (wife Debra Metts) of Chapin, SC; Kirt A. Metts (wife Kimberly Metts) of Lexington, SC; David Cameron (wife Joan) of Columbia, SC, and many grand-nephews and grand-nieces.

Joyce was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Robert Speir Cameron Jr.; her father, Tommy L. Metts Sr.; her mother, Delmar Lois (LeGrande) Metts; and her youngest brother, James LeGrande Metts. Joyce was predeceased by her beloved Yorkie, Merlot, who brought joy to her life after the passing of her husband in 2017. Joyce's love for animals was well known. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made in her memory to the Halifax Humane Society or an animal rescue charity of your choice.