Joyce K. Watson

Joyce K. Watson lived a life rich of family and friends. Strong and true, Joyce gave all she could to those she loved the most. She cherished her family and felt grateful for all the time she was able to share with each of her children and grandchildren. Revered by many, Joyce will long be held in the hearts of those who knew her best.

1946 was a year marked by much celebration and hope. With the victorious end of World War II, families tuned into the celebratory tunes of Bing Crosby, Perry Como, and the Andrews Sisters, while children delighted in the debut of the slinky. While the nation relished in a renewed sense of peace and newfound hope, even greater promise for the future was celebrated by Alvin Jack and Delores (Dillman) Wyatt as they welcomed their daughter Joyce into their hearts and home on November 21st.

Joyce grew up on her familys farm near Warren, Indiana. It is here that Joyce first learned the value of hard work and the importance of family. The family was large, the work never ending, and the bounty of their labors rarely certain. Like many who grow up on a farm, these early years formed a firm foundation of strength and fortitude that Joyce built the rest of her life upon.

While in Pierceton, Indiana one fateful day, Joyce had the good fortune of meeting her best friend, Tim Watson. The two began dating and married in December of 1960. A year later Joyce and Tim moved to Ft. Wayne. Soon the happy couple began their family and over time they had the honor and joy of welcoming four children into their home. Timothy Jr., Ronald, Steven, and Lorie became the center of the couples focus, and they did their very best to provide a good home for them. In 1976 the family moved to their present home at Little Cedar Lake, north of Columbia City.

While Joyce held several jobs over her life, including working at Cohens in New Haven, Precision Plastics in Columbia City and Warsaw Plating Works from where she retired in 2001; her favorite job was being a full-time mother. She enjoyed nothing more than spending time with her family and especially enjoyed the when they all stayed together in a cabin in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. They also had a great time at Lake George.

Whether playing Bingo, gambling, playing cards, or sharing time with those she loved, Joyce thoroughly relished in the moment. Joyce possessed strong opinions and was more than willing to share them. Never one to hesitate to let the truth be known, there was many a restaurant server who was afforded Joyces passionate review should the meal not meet her expectations. Though it could be embarrassing to watch, those who knew her best also learned to value Joyces frankness for in speaking her mind, people always knew where they stood with her. For those who were closest to Joyce, her honesty often became one of the few sure things they could count on in a world filled with false perceptions.

With her signature fortitude, Joyce endured many hardships over the years, bravely living through the unimaginable when her son Ronald died in February of 1983 and again when her son Steven died in February of 1999.

Despite lifes challenges, Joyce did her best to embrace each day. She treasured the priceless gift of her relationships. Without a doubt, becoming a grandmother to her five grandchildren, Corbin, Lauran, Kayla, Chelsea and Kristin and two great-granddaughters, Emma and Mia was Joyces hearts delight. In each of their eyes, she could easily see the spark of her legacy and her hopes for the future. Joyce also welcomed the comforts of Tims good care in her final years. Regardless of the trying times they shared, Joyce knew she was safe with Tim and that he was indeed her best friend for life.

Clearly, the world feels less certain without Joyces feisty spirit and steadfast presence. May it afford deep comfort to know that with each game of Bingo and cards we play, time we share in each others good company, and unhesitating truth we tell, we are living Joyces legacy in our daily lives; and, in these ways, we will continue to keep Joyces spark shining.

Joyce K. Watson, 70, of Columbia City, Indiana passed away at 9:59 a.m. Sunday, September 3, 2017 at Parkview Regional Medical Center. Born November 21, 1946 in Warren, she was the daughter of Alvin Jack and Delores (Dillman) Wyatt.

Survivors include her husband and best friend, Tim Watson, Sr.; son, Tim (Cindy) Watson, Jr., of Peachtree City, Georgia; daughter, Lorie (Brandon) Forrester, of Columbia City; sisters, Sheron East, Joanna England and Susan Johnson, all of Warsaw; brother, Robert (Callie) Shafer, of Warsaw; grandchildren, Corbin Watson, Lauran Watson, Kayla Watson, Chelsea (Justin) Bark and Kristin Bergman; and great-granddaughters, Emma and Mia Bark. She was preceded in death by her parents; sons, Steven M. and Ronald D. Watson; and several brothers and sisters.

Visitation is 10-11:45 a.m. Thursday, September 7, 2017, at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City with her funeral services to start at noon. Her nephew, Pastor Jim Drummond will be officiating. Burial will follow at South Park Annex Cemetery where she will be laid to rest beside her sons. Memorial gifts may be given in her memory to Parkview Whitley Home Health Care and Hospice. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences on-line.