On the third day of October, in the year of nineteen hundred and sixty, in Richmond Heights, Florida, Harry Lee Johnson Sr. and his beautiful wife, Thelma S. Johnson, welcomed their baby girl, Joyce Ann Johnson, into the world. Although Joyce’s conception was a surprise to her parents, they would soon learn why the Lord above had gifted us with the beautiful blessing named Joyce Ann.

Joyce was the baby of the couple, as collectively, they had six children prior to Joyce’s arrival. Five of her siblings, Patricia “Patsy” Johnson, Morris Johnson, Dorothy Royal, Robert Timmons, and Howard Johnson, preceded her in death. Harry Lee Johnson Jr. remains as the sole surviving sibling.

Joyce attended Miami Killian Senior High School, where she excelled both academically and socially. Joyce’s love of reading landed her in top classes, including a challenging chemistry class, which was uncommon at the time. Known for her bright smile, infectious laugh, and magnetic personality, Joyce was popular among her peers. The extracurricular activity she enjoyed most was being a member of the cheerleading squad. Throughout her tenure at Miami Killian Senior High School, Joyce built lasting relationships with her classmates and held those friendships close to her heart, even during her most challenging times.

Shortly after graduating from high school in 1978, Joyce’s inquisitive nature led her toward a career in banking. She enrolled in bank teller school and quickly became a highly respected professional in the banking industry while also attending business classes at Miami Dade College.

In March of 1979, Joyce gave birth to her first child, Robert Henderson III. Becoming a mother to Bobby, as she affectionately called him, would change the trajectory of Joyce’s life. Joyce married Robert Henderson Jr., and they welcomed their second child, their beloved daughter, Hyacinth, in 1981. The challenges of young adulthood would prove to be too much for the couple, and they later divorced.

For many years, Joyce worked her way up the ranks at major banks throughout South Florida. Ultimately, she left the banking industry to answer the calling God had placed upon her life while she was still in her mother’s womb: a life devoted to serving Him and His people.

Joyce rededicated her life to Christ in 1986 when she joined Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church in Miami, Florida. After being baptized, she quickly became very active in the church, attending weekly Bible study, street revivals, and Sunday services.

Joyce’s walk with the Lord led her to New Birth Baptist Church in Miami, Florida, where she deepened her relationship with God through service and study. With an unwavering love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Joyce enrolled in seminary school, where she diligently studied God’s Word. On January 12, 1997, under the leadership of Bishop Victor T. Curry, Joyce received her certificate of ordination as she was ordained into the Gospel Ministry.

Elder Joyce Ann Henderson was a gifted vessel through whom God moved to teach, preach, and evangelize His people. A sweet spirit with a mighty tongue, Joyce was the perfect blend of prophetic, protective, loving, and stern. She was a mighty prayer warrior, known for her powerful prayers and unwavering faith. Even during her years of illness, people continued to seek her out, asking her to intercede in prayer on their behalf. She exuded excellence, and she demanded excellence from everyone she encountered.

Joyce loved the good life! Stylish and fashionable, she enjoyed the finer things in life and had no problem spending money on them. From her beautiful wardrobe to her Givenchy stockings, Joyce believed in looking good and living well. She had a larger-than-life personality, an infectious laugh, and a love for good food and good company. Whether she was going out to eat, spending time with her children, or laughing and joking with her friends and church family, Joyce knew how to enjoy herself. Her presence could light up any room.

Joyce also loved to cook and entertain, especially during the holidays. Preparations began days in advance, with her children waking up early to help prepare meals for the family and the many friends who would stop by for a plate. An exceptional cook and baker, Joyce took pride in preparing an abundance of delicious food. She believed it was always better to have more than not enough, a philosophy that extended from her holiday table to her grocery shopping trips. Her home was a place where friends and family gathered, laughter was plentiful, and there was always something good to eat.

Joyce dedicated her life to the church and ministry until she began experiencing health challenges in 2007.

For nineteen years, Joyce faced those challenges with remarkable strength and perseverance. She spent her final years surrounded by love and care in the home of her daughter and two grandchildren.

On Friday, October 16, 2026, my mother, Joyce Ann Henderson, slipped into the waiting arms of her Lord.

She leaves behind her two beloved children, whom she affectionately called Bobby and Hyci: Robert Henderson III (Shaterika Henderson) and Hyacinth Henderson; her grandchildren, Gerkylah Michel, Cyncere Henderson, and Messiah Sikes; her brother, Harry Lee Johnson Jr.; and a host of family, friends, classmates, and students who love her and will miss her dearly.

Absent from the body, yet forever in our hearts.

2 Corinthians 5:1–8

Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked.

For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord.

We live by faith, not by sight.

We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

Arrangements entrusted to Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, 1600 N. University Drive, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024.