Obituary

Joyce Hill Watkins

May 18, 1945 - October 14, 2026

Joyce Hill Watkins was born on May 18, 1945. She was a woman of strong faith who loved the Lord dearly and found comfort and joy in her salvation. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she carried that love with her throughout her many years.

Joyce’s greatest joy was her family. She loved her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and dear friends deeply. She cherished every opportunity to spend time with the people she loved, and the memories she created with them will continue to live on for generations.

Joyce was the daughter of Ottis Hill and Udene Dora Hill, and sister to O.J. Hill.

She leaves behind her six beloved children: Melisa McKeithen, Roger McKeithen (Amy), Gerald McKeithen (Linda), Debra Knight, Dixie Graham, and Alex Graham (Hollie).

Joyce was blessed with 11 grandchildren and two bonus grandchildren, including Michael McKeithen (Melissa), Maybrie McKeithen, Taylor McKeithen, Josh McKeithen (Laura), Joanna King (Dean), Joseph Simmons (Megan), Haley Stewart, Jalen Knight, Harley Grantham (John), Otis Graham (Briana), Baylor Graham, Justin, and Abby.

Her love continued to grow through the generations, as she was also blessed with 20 great-grandchildren and five bonus great-grandchildren. She leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, as well as numerous great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom held a special place in her heart.

Joyce also had a special love for flowers, plants, and gardening. She had what could only be described as a true green thumb and seemed able to grow just about anything she planted. Her love of gardening was a beautiful reflection of who she was patient, nurturing, and always helping something beautiful grow.

Joyce’s days were made brighter by the people she loved. Her family and friends were a tremendous source of happiness in her life, and she gave that same love and happiness back to them.

She will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her love for the Lord, her devotion to her family, her kind heart, and her love of flowers and gardening. Though she is no longer here to tend her garden, the love she planted in the hearts of her family will continue to bloom for generations to come.

Joyce was deeply loved, dearly cherished, and will be profoundly missed. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her love will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

Funeral services, officiated by Reverend Jimmy Hill, will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Brown-McGehee Funeral Home beginning at 1:00 P.M. Friends are invited to join the family for visitation from 10:30 A.M. until the service begins. Burial will immediately follow in Magee Cemetery.