Joyce Lea Estwick

Joyce Lea Estwick was born February 18, 1950. She was a miracle baby and a blessing from her first breath. She came into this world weighing one- and one-half pounds, defying all of the medical probabilities that she would survive.  She beat the odds and has seen the sunrise and sunset for seventy-three beautiful years.  Joyce was raised in the small town of Bracey, Virginia to the late Mary Constina and Jimmy Walker.  Joyce was the eldest of three children who all have predeceased her in death. 

Joyce was a very intelligent woman and was an advocate for education.  She attended East End High School and graduated with honors in 1969. Immediately after graduation, she followed her lifelong dreams and relocated to New York City with her aunt and uncle Bertha and Lawrence Thomas. In 1976 she became a mother to a beautiful baby girl Renelle Talisha. In 1978 she became a dispatcher for the NYCPD. Joyce was a hard worker and progressed in her career. She was affectionately known as “Mom” to her younger co-workers and those that came in contact with her. She had a bubbly personality and those that came in touch with her felt her joyous and sweet spirit. 

In 1980 she met the love of her life and husband Carlisle, and gained a son, Steve Darrell who she loved and adored. Carlisle and Joyce were married in August 1983 and from this union they had a baby girl, Crystal Michelle.

Joyce has always taken education seriously and went back to school and earned her Associates Degree. She loved cooking, music, dancing and being in the presence of the ones she loved. Joyce was an avid church goer and sang in the choir at Allen AME Church in Queens. She sacrificed all she could for her family. After 27 years of service, Joyce retired from the NYCPD and relocated to Concord, NC. Not happy with being retired, she got a job as an usher for the Carolina Panthers. After about 10 years she finally retired for good. 

The word to describe my mother is PERFECT in every way. Joyce will be greatly missed by many and remembered as a selfless, loyal, church going, dedicated lady.

She leaves to mourn a host of family and friends, her husband Carlisle M. Estwick (Queens, NY), children Steve Estwick (Shonna Estwick), Renelle Brooks-Payne (Kaleef Payne), Crystal Estwick- Graham (Avery Graham), a niece Shenisha Crutchfield, 11 grandchildren: T’Keyah Jones, Tiffany Estwick, A’lisa Denson, Imani Payne, Jahquez Laughlin, Jordan Payne, Steve Estwick Jr., A’jahnae Estwick, Camren Williams, Ava Graham, Taylor Graham, Kaleigh Payne. 3 Great-Grandchildren: Aria Holmes, Rylee Black, and Bella Bernard who will truly miss this selfless gem.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Estwick family.