Joyce Givens, 73 of 202 West 81st Street, New York, NY departed this life peacefully on Saturday, October 25, 2014 at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, NY.

She was born December 18, 1940 in Waverly, Virginia to the late Willie and Lucille (Williams) Givens. From this union, she was the fifth child of eight children.

Joyce received her education from the Sussex County Public School System of Virginia, and was a graduate of the Culinary School of New York City, NY.

She was preceded in death by two brothers; Willie Givens Jr., Welford Givens; two sister, Nellie Mae Stith Parker and Lucille (Givens) Williams; one nephew Larry Stith and one great niece Pamela Taylor.

Joyce was a manager for FW Woolworth Inc. in both New Jersey and New York for many years, and received numerous citations for her outstanding service.

She accepted Christ at an early age, and joined Liberty Baptist Church of Waverly, VA. She later attended First Baptist Church in Manhattan, NY.

Joyce had a profound passion for cooking, reading, and writing poems. She would always tune into The Food Network and The Chew Program for new recipes. She loved listening to inspiring Music. Three of her favorite hymns were Amazing Grace, Precious Lord, Take My Hand and Blessed Assurance.

While in the hospital, Joyce's nurse uplifted her spirits each morning by singing one of her favorite songs.

Joyce was a loving and caring person. She was a strong woman who lived by values that she applied to everyday living. These values were demonstrated in her family and to her friends, inspiring many to do their very best at all times. Joyce was most happy when she was spending time with her family. She will sincerely be missed by her family and friends.

Joyce leaves to cherish her precious memories: one brother, Phillip (Victoria) Givens of Louisville, KY; two sisters, Lottie Givens of New York, NY and Phyllis Powers of North Providence, RI; two nieces, Trula (Phillip) Taylor of Richmond, VA and Diana (Eddie) Finley of New York, NY; six nephews, Herbert (Jeanelle) Stith of Surry County, Calvin Stith and Aaron Stith of Waverly, VA, Phillip Givens, Jr and Montez Givens of Louisville, KY and Mark Givens of Detroit, MI; one brother-in-law, Darrell Williams of New Fairfield, CT; a host of grand, great-grand, and great-great grand nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. Special friends, Robert Poindexter and Charlie Oliver of New Jersey.

Funeral service for Joyce Givens will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 1, 2014 at Liberty Baptist Church, 235 Railroad Avenue, Waverly Virginia. Interment will follow immediately in Waverly Cemetery.