Joyce R. Wilcox

1946 - 2025

Joyce R. Wilcox
Joyce Wilcox (Rising)
February 26, 1946 – July 20, 2025
Joyce Wilcox (née Rising), 79, of Hampstead, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's Dementia. She was surrounded by love and family in her final days.
Joyce is survived by her devoted partner of 37 years, Andi Anderson of Hampstead, NC; her beloved children Suzanne Luce (wife Brenda Bayley) of Kissimmee, FL, and Christopher Luce (wife Wendy); and her cherished grandchildren Zachary, Cameron, and Jackson Luce of Meriden, CT. She also leaves behind her loving sisters Lynn McKenna of Wethersfield, CT, and Jan Styga (husband Walt) of Standish, ME, along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Born and raised in West Hartford, CT, Joyce graduated from Conard High School and earned her associate degree from Dean College in Franklin, MA, in 1966. She later built a successful career at Aetna in Hartford, where she was admired for her dedication and professionalism.
A gifted and passionate athlete, Joyce excelled in multiple sports throughout her life. She shared a special bond with her father, Fredrick Rising, through their love of skeet shooting at the Hartford Gun Club. Her talent and determination led her to win numerous club championships in 12, 20, 28, and .410 gauge categories. Joyce rose to international prominence as the country's top female skeet shooter, earning multiple world championship titles, appearing on the cover of Skeet magazine, and being inducted into the Skeet Shooting Hall of Fame in 1992.
Joyce's love of sports extended to the softball field, where she coached her daughter's teams and led girls' all-star squads with heart and dedication. She also played and captained the women's league team in Madison, CT, for many years, inspiring young athletes with her leadership and spirit.
In 1980, Joyce discovered a new passion-golf. She quickly became a dominant force, winning multiple Ladies Club Championships at Lyman Meadows in Middlefield, CT, and competing in national amateur events. After relocating to Woodstock, GA, in 1990, she helped establish the first Atlanta Chapter of the Executive Women's Golf League. In 1992, she turned professional as a Class A member of the LPGA.
Joyce's impact on the game of golf extended far beyond competition. As Academy Director at Cobblestone Golf Course, she was twice honored with the U.S. Kids Golf Foundation's Top 50 Kids Teachers Award, recognizing her as one of the world's most outstanding youth golf instructors. She was also nominated for Golf Digest's Best Teachers in the State in 2013–2014.
Joyce's smile and positivity were contagious. She had a light about her that touched everyone she met. She will be remembered not only for her remarkable athletic achievements but for her warmth, generosity, and unwavering love for her family and community.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Madison Surf Club (Main Room) on Saturday, July 26th, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joyce's memory may be made to support Alzheimer's research.