Joyce Denise Thompson was born on July 24, 1956 to Rutha Mae and Leroy Gowans and passed peacefully into eternal rest into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father surrounded by her loving family on November 10, 2021.Joyce attended school in Springfield, Mass and graduated from the High School of Commerce, class of "74". Joyce started her career with AT&T in Springfield, and later transferred to the Jacksonville, Florida office in 1993 where she continued with them until 2005. She continued her career with JP Morgan, Ally Financial and finally as a Patient Access Representative with Formativ Health. Joyce was loved and respected by her co-workers. She was known by some as Mama Joyce for her straight to the point, no holding back advice and opinions.Joyce loved to cook and feed the less fortunate. Sunday dinner always included a plate or two for a hungry person she may have noticed along the way. Joyce was revered for her cooking, but most notably for her Carrot cake. Her Carrot cake was not only delicious, but you could always taste all the love and care she put into every bite. Joyce loved life, and was an amazing woman filled with compassion and kindness.Joyce is survived by her daughter Demetra (Nigel) Saunders of Teaneck, NJ, sons Brian Jr and Marcus of Jacksonville, Florida, sisters Jacqueline (Richmond) Joiner of Jackson, MS, Desiree Gowans of Boston, MA, Debora Gowans of Atlanta, GA, Delphine Nash of Burlington, NJ, and Sheri (Rick) Spears of South Orange, NJ, and brother Wortha (Deborah) Norwood, of Aurora, Colorado. Grandchildren Tejahne, Brian, Brice, Naijah, Mekhi, and Brielle. Also mourning her loss are a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and a wide circle of friends.I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy, Chapter 4:7.Receiving FriendsGeorge H. Hewell and Son Funeral Home (Southside)Saturday, November 13, 20214:00 PM - 6:00 PM4140 University Blvd., So.Jacksonville, FL 32216Prayer ServiceChapel of George H. Hewell and Son Funeral Home (Southside)Saturday, November 13, 20215:30 PM4140 University Blvd., So.Jacksonville, FL 32216