Joyce Keith

Joyce Simmons-Keith was born on January 16, 1949, in Myrtle Beach, SC. Joyce was the daughter of Carrie Mae Johnson.  Joyce was a devoted mother, sister, daughter, and wife.  Joyce was raised in the heart of Myrtle Beach, SC, and attended Whittemore High School, where she excelled in her studies and graduated with her High School diploma in 1967.   During her attendance at Whittemore High School, Joyce met her soulmate, James Keith, Jr., with whom she remained married for 36 years until his untimely passing in 1991. To this holy union, they had a son, Morris Keith, and later Joyce had a daughter, Teresa Keith. 

Following her graduation and marriage, Joyce developed a passion for working in Hospitality, Resort, and Management industry and began working for the Yachtsmen Resort, which later became Blue Green Resort, located in Myrtle Beach, SC.  Joyce began to excel working for Blue Green Resorts and also earned her certification in Hospitality and Resort management from Horry Georgetown Technical College.  She was later promoted to be the Executive Housekeeper and Manager.  She remained as an executive employee for 40 years until her retirement in 2015.   Joyce explored her second career in cooking and management.  Joyce was partnered and managed a local business affectionately known as “Lester’s,” a local eatery.  Her culinary skills were admired by many for more than 30 years until the closing of “Lester’s” in the early 2000s.  Joyce also had many hobbies and loved serving her community by participating as a volunteer at local events such as Myrtle Beach Gospel Festival, Myrtle Beach Night Out, Myrtle Beach Jazz Festival, and the Whittemore Colored School Scholarship Committee. 

Joyce was always a faithful individual who grew closer to Jesus in the early part of her life and was baptized at Sandy Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Myrtle Beach, SC, where she served as a faithful member for many years. She is known for her measured wisdom and thoughtful leadership. Joyce was admired for her ability to lead with both heart and discernment, whether at work, in her community, or within her family. In retirement, Joyce embraced an active and fulfilling life, as well as an adventurous global travel itinerary with her friends and church members.  Her favorite trip was to Atlantic City, New Jersey, and she frequently cruised when her health would allow. 

Joyce's enduring legacy is one of integrity, service, and devotion. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Keith, Jr, and her parent, Carrie Mae Simmons-Johnson and brother Larry Williams, both of Myrtle Beach, Sc. She is survived by her sisters, Carolyn Wilson and Linda Holoman both of Myrtle Beach, SC; her son, Morris R. Keith (Jovian) Commerce City, Co; faithful daughter Teresa Keith (Myrtle Beach, SC) her cherished grandchildren, Jalen Keith-Logan, of Myrtle Beach, Sc,  Stephon Keith (Francine) of Commerce City Co., James Keith of Commerce City, Co., Tiara Keith of Commerce City, Co., Nico Keith of Commerce City, Co.,  Xaniyah Riley-Keith of Commerce City, Co., Paris Radway-Keith of Commerce City, Co., and one great grandchild Micah Keith of Commerce City, Co.,   Her extended families; Simpson, Smalls, Frazier, Chestnut, Brenda Williams etc. and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.  Special friends Barbara Jean Smalls, Lynell Hytower-Servance and family, Linda Dickerson- “T’nochie”, Mr. Lester Brown and family, and many loving members of Sandy Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

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