Joyce Hopkins

Affectionately known as “Joyce” Joyce Hopkins Davis was born on April 10, 1952 to the union of Ira and Edwina Burks. She peacefully transitioned to eternal rest on Sep- tember 26, 2025. Joyce accepted Christ at an early age and remained faithful through- out her life. She was a proud and dedicated member of Stewart Me- morial C.M.E. Church, where she served faithfully on the Steward- ess Board and as a leader of the Prayer Line, Bible Study, and Prayer Ministry. Her commitment to Christ and her church family reflected her strong faith and love for the Lord. Joyce was known for her warmth, her strength, and her gift of making everyone around her feel special. She was the heartbeat of her fami- ly…always ready with a kind word, a prayer, or a delicious meal. She poured her love into her children, grandchildren, and all those who crossed her path, creating a legacy of faith, compassion, and resilience. She enjoyed fellowship with her church and community, found joy in cooking and sharing her favorite recipes, and cherished time spent with loved ones. To know Joyce was to experience genuine love, encouragement, laughter, and forgiveness. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, the late Earlie B. Davis; her devoted parents, Ira and Edwina Burks; her beloved daughter, Edwina Gray White; and her cherished sister and best friend, Vernita Balbuena. Joyce leaves to cherish her memory her devoted and loving daughter and granddaughter, Leatrice (Alvy) L. Pierce; granddaughters: Sheliece M. Young and Megan S. James; stepchildren: Kimberly Pettway, Kendrick Davis, and Yoashika Davis; siblings: Cordell Burks, Sr.; her beloved sister and best friend, Elaine (Tony) Goubil of Mobile, AL, and Ira Burks, Jr. of San Diego, CA; a loving and devoted niece and nephew, Veronique Balbuena (Leonardo Carson) of Atlanta, GA. She also leaves her aunts: Lucille (Al) Duncan and Alice Harris; her grandchildren: Alexia (Ethan) Mattox, James Vassel, Jr., Micah Pierce, Malia James, Jordan Davis, Mya Pettway, Justice Evans, Kenedria Evans, Brandon Davis, Quintious Brown, Sealeduah Brown, Tramesia Brown, and Kenneth Davis, Jr.; her loving Godchild, Regin Goubil; devoted friends and confidants, Aunt Alice Harris and Jessica York; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends. Her life was a testimony of faith and perseverance. Though her earthly journey has ended, “Joyce’s Spirit” will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.

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Joyce Hopkins

April 10, 1952 - September 27, 2025