Joyce was born August 3, 1932 to Robert N. Watson and Myrtle I. Burley. Joyce married Joseph J. Gillisse on December 5, 1953 and became a homemaker and mother. She had many different jobs and careers such as telephone operator, LPN, and accountant. This helped reduce the financial stress on the marriage and family during times of lay-offs and recessions. She trusted her mother to help with the children instilling the physical, mental, social, and spiritual values. Joyce loved to bowl, and sang in the church choir. Geography was her favorite subject, so traveling (inspired by her father), was a big part of her life so she could learn about new places and peoples.

Joyce was predeceased by a son, Robert (Jeanne) Gillisse. She is survived by a daughter, Susan (Robert Krack) Gillisse of Edgewater, FL; son, Roger (Linda) Gillisse of Bay City, MI; three grandchildren: Jennifer Vaillancourt of Bay City, MI; Denise (Jason) Webster of Orange, CA; and Walker (Corinna) Vaillancourt of Wingate, NC; six great-grandchildren, and four great-great grandsons.