Joyce was born on January 29, 1971.  She was the daughter of the late Doris Jeanette Yates and Horace James Yates.  She attended Charles County Public Schools and graduated from Maurice McDonough High School in 1989.

Joyce was employed by Genesis Nursing Home in Waldorf, Maryland for many years.  She enjoyed spending time with family and friends.  Her favorite TV shows were "The Young and the Restless" and "The Bold and the Beautiful."  She enjoyed shopping and going to the movies.  Her favorite food was fried chicken and she was a Washington Redskins fan.

On Saturday, April 1, 2017 at University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center, Joyce Yates quietly transitioned to eternal rest.

Joyce leaves to cherish her memories, her father, Horace James Yates (Beulah Shade); uncle, Joseph (Mack) Yates, Sr.; special friend, Neil Proctor; special friend, Phyllis Yates-Dorsey; two cousins, like sisters, LaTonya Jenifer and Joan Butler; two special nieces, Tianna and Talaya Butler and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends .