Joyce Taylor

Joyce Veronica Sneed Taylor, born January 28, 1948, in Enfield, North Carolina, was the third of eight children born to the late Walter and Iola Sneed. She married Sidney Juel Taylor on March 18, 1967. He was her loving companion for 58 years.  Born to this union was their son, Damien Juel Taylor.

Bible truths were taught to her at an early age by her parents. Joyce grew to love God’s word and dedicated her life in baptism as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1963. Joyce graduated Salutatorian of her class, but instead of pursuing a college education she entered the full time Ministry as a Pioneer, where she taught others about Jehovah’s promised new world.

Joyce’s love story began when her brother Walter introduced her to his best friend and fellow missionary. Years later Walter commented, “I have never known anyone in my entire life that loved his wife more than Sidney. He was a doting husband; it was absolutely the best introduction I have ever made.” Those words were echoed by the loving care Sidney provided throughout her life.  

Joyce and Sidney worked as bible students serving in congregations/groups in English, Spanish, and  Vietnamese. It gave her great happiness to see others accept and embrace God’s word as she studied the Bible with them.  Joyce’s faithful service was a source of encouragement to those who knew her.  

Her devotion to her husband and son was unwavering. She loved being a mom. She was a loving wife, exceptional mother, great daughter, wise sister and counselor. She made the time to check on her large circle of friends and looked forward to sharing time with them. When she flashed her beautiful smile your day immediately brightened.

Joyce enjoyed traveling. Her adventurous side allowed her to start a travel business that took her to fun and interesting places. Joyce loved dancing. She was the center of attention especially when dancing with Sidney, not only because they really did know how to ‘Swing’ and ‘Two-Step’ but because it was impossible not to stop and watch their infectious joy and unity.

Joyce was always ready to support family and friends on any project whether difficult or fun. If you needed help, she was happy to oblige. Her wisdom, kindness, and comforting smile were her superpowers.  

Her eldest sister, Linda Darnell Smith and her parents Walter and Iola Sneed preceded her in death. She spoke faithfully about seeing them again in paradise which brought her peace, and comforted her as she closed her eyes to rest.  She is survived by her husband, Sidney Taylor and son Damien Taylor, one grandson; her big brother Walter “Thea” Sneed (Annissianna), and 5 sisters Iola “Dora” Vaughan (Dwight), Elnora “Nora” Nicholson (Leslie), Emma Dunston (Paul), Ruth Jefferson (Willie) and Phyllis Brownley (Terence); in-laws Eunice Dixon, James Otis Abdullah, and Charlie Jerome Taylor; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends too numerous to name.

We find comfort in knowing that our dear Joyce is safe in the memory of Jehovah, our heavenly father, who will soon wipe away our tears and restore Joyce in resurrection. On that day death and our mourning will be no more.

Memorial Service:  3:30 PM, Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 6320 Fox Road, Raleigh, NC.  

To learn more about Joyce's strong hope for the future, please visit www.jw.org; a website she knew and loved.

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