Mr. Ernest Joyce

Ernest Joyce passed away peacefully on December 31, 2024, at the age of 79. Born on December 16, 1945, he was the beloved son of Ernest Joyce, Sr. and Margarite Hill-Joyce. Ernest was born and raised in Statesboro, Georgia, where he met the love of his life, Varie Joyce. At a young age, Ernest became a member of the Summer Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Statesboro, Georgia. Ernest graduated in 1964 from William James High School in Statesboro, Georgia. After completing his education, he began working at the Southern Auto Department Store while also driving buses for the Bulloch County School Department. Later, he transitioned to a career as an underwriter for an insurance company. The couple later moved to Boston, where they built a life together and raised their three sons. In 1971, Ernest began working for Boston Gas (now National Grid), where he dedicated 40 years of service before retiring in 2011. After relocating to Boston to build a life for his family and advance his career, he joined the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend George W. O’Neil. Following Reverend O’Neil’s passing, Ernest transferred his membership to Inspirational Faith Baptist Church in Dorchester, Massachusetts, where he worshipped under the leadership of Reverend Calvin Winston. Ernest was known fondly by colleagues as a “Boston Gas legend.” He was widely recognized and respected by everyone he worked with. After retiring, he explored several different roles before securing a job in New Jersey at Magnolia Rivers as an Inspector, where he worked until gaining his wings. Ernest had a deep passion for baseball and excelled at the sport. He also cherished quality time with his family. When not with loved ones, you could often find him at the pool hall, enjoying himself and brightening the room with his infectious energy. With a warm and welcoming spirit, Ernest had a gift for making people feel heard and cared for. He was not only a source of wisdom and support but also a father figure and big brother to many. Ernest’s ability to bring people together and create lasting memories will never be forgotten. He was truly the life of the party, a loyal friend, and a beloved family man. Ernest will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him. Ernest is preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Garfield (Blondie) Joyce Sr., Margaret Joyce Cooper, Melrose Joyce, Linda Joyce-Deas, and Patricia Joyce; his daughter, Crissandra Joyce; and his grandson, Nicholas Joyce. Ernest is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Varie Joyce; his siblings, Ella Louise Robbins of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Caroll (Mary) Joyce of Kennesaw, GA, and Josiebelle Joyce of Boston, MA; his brothers-in-law, Richard Deas of Boston, MA, and James Taylor, Jimmy (Synthia) Daughtry of Claxton, GA; and his sisters-in-law, Ella (Jim) Goosby of Virginia Beach, VA, Delorise Flonory of Boston, MA, and Bessie Daughtry of Statesboro, GA. He was a devoted father to Michael (Pat) Keel of Boston, MA, Gregory Joyce Sr. of Boston, MA, Richard (Ida) Joyce Sr. of Boston, MA, Brian Joyce Sr. of Boston, MA, and Tameika Joyce of Boston, MA. Ernest was the proud grandfather of Richard Joyce Jr. of Boston, MA, Gregory Joyce Jr. of Salt Lake City, UT, Kristopher (Felicia) Joyce of Boston, MA, Brian Joyce Jr. of Boston, MA, Ta’Keame Gomes-Keel of Boston, MA, Brittney Joyce of Boston, MA, Xavier Alexander of Boston, MA, and Keith Joyce of Boston, MA, Sherise Ross, Nekeisha Brown, Coytia Gomes. He was also the cherished great-grandfather of seven great-grandchildren. Ernest will be deeply missed by his family and friends, who will forever hold his memory in their hearts. The funeral service for Mr. Joyce will be held Saturday, January 18, 2025 in the Greater Love Tabernacle Church, 101 Nightingale Street, Dorchester at 11 o’clock. Visiting Hour 10 – 11 am. Interment Fairview Cemetery, Hyde Park. A local memorial service for Mr. Ernest Joyce will be held at a later date and time at Hill's Mortuary, Inc. Services are being handled by Dolan Funeral Home East Milton Square 460 Granite Ave Milton, MA 01286 (617) 698-6264

Mr. Ernest Joyce

December 16, 1945 - December 31, 2024