Joyce E. Willett

Joyce Willett passed away on July 16, 2024. Joyce was born in Orlando, Florida, to Emily and Chester Barber on September 18, 1938. She married Dale Willett on December 21, 1964, and their bond was unbreakable. Their 60 years of marriage were a testament to their love and friendship, admired by all who knew them.

Dale is retired from the Air Force, and they were stationed at Ft. Fisher, NC; Sembach AFB, Germany; Homestead AFB, FL; Wiesbaden AFB, Germany; Langley AFB, VA; and Hurlburt AFB, FL.

Joyce’s passion was art. She painted in watercolors and colored pencils, winning many awards for her work. She took advanced needlepoint lessons and enjoyed counted cross stitch. She also took beaded jewelry lessons and loved making jewelry for her friends.

Photography was another hobby, and she produced lovely books of photos documenting their many travels. She also was an avid bridge player and enjoyed playing weekly at the Niceville Senior Center.

Joyce was an educator who taught for thirty years in Goose Bay, Labrador, Florida, North Carolina, and Germany. She returned to college in Virginia and became certified as a media specialist. When they moved to Niceville, she was hired as a media specialist at Baker School, followed by a position at Valparaiso Elementary School. Her last position was Okaloosa County District Media Specialist at Media Services in Crestview.

Joyce loved animals, having had numerous cats over the years, and supported many animal charities. After retirement, she volunteered at CLL and enjoyed taking its many classes.

She is survived by her husband, Dale, daughter Anne (Scott), and grandchildren Will and Kate. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Ben.

A Celebration of Life in honor of Joyce Willett will be held on Saturday, 24 Aug. at the Niceville Senior Center. Please drop in between 2:00-4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to an animal charity.

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