Joyce Gillis Williams, 85

Joyce Gillis Williams, age 85, of Swainsboro, passed away Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Emanuel County Nursing Home. Funeral Services were held Sunday October 4, at 3 p.m. at Peebles Curry Memorial Chapel with Reverend Greg Ely officiating. Family received friends one hour prior to the service. Interment followed at Eastbrook Cemetery & Mausoleum.

Pallbearers were Austin Proctor, Josh Williams, Caleb Avery, Jacob Avery, Lanier Parham and Fred Wilson.

Joyce was born April 28, 1941, in Soperton, to the late Fred Gillis and Lurline Kitchens Gillis. She was a graduate of Emanuel County Institute in Twin City and attended business school in Atlanta. Joyce professed her faith in Christ and was from a Baptist upbringing. She had a love and talent for decorating and gardening. Joyce loved music and loved any and all flowers. She kept a sharp mind by doing crossword puzzles and word searches and could beat anyone at Wheel of Fortune. Although her primary love and job was being a homemaker, she spent several years owning and running Variety Videos in Swainsboro. Joyce will be loved and remembered by all of her family and friends. Mrs. Williams is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Johnny Williams; and brothers, Franklin Gillis and Lamon Gillis.

Mrs. Williams is survived by her son, Darrell Williams (Tracy) of Swainsboro; daughter, Stacie Avery (Donald) of Swainsboro; brother, Charles Gillis (Kathy) of Swainsboro; sisters-in-law, Johnnie Gillis of Twin City and Sue Gillis of Millen; grandchildren, Meagan Proctor, Josh Williams (Kayla), Austin Proctor (Meryl), Caleb Avery (Blair) and Jacob Avery; great-grandchildren, Audriana Williams, Vivienne Proctor, Rig Proctor and baby boy Avery; family pet, Duke; several nieces, nephews and many friends.

Durden-Hudson Funeral Directors was in charge of arrangements.