Celebrating the Life of Willa Joyce Harris
November 17, 1953 – July 19, 2026

With hearts full of love and spirits strengthened by faith, we celebrate the life of Willa Joyce Harris, affectionately known as Joyce to the world and Queen of Sheba to her loved ones. Born on November 17, 1953, in South Bend, Indiana, Joyce departed this earthly life on July 19, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering faith, resilience, compassion, and unconditional love that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

Joyce was a faithful servant of the Lord who lived her life with grace, compassion, and an unshakable trust in God. She was spirited, courageous, outspoken, and deeply loving. A devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, her greatest joy was caring for others. She believed family was one of God's greatest blessings and dedicated much of her life to nurturing those around her.

In her earlier years, Joyce worked outside the home before embracing one of her life's greatest callings as a homemaker and foster parent. She opened her heart and home to countless children in need, providing them with love, stability, and hope. While she received recognition for her dedication as a foster parent, Joyce always believed the greatest reward was seeing the smiles and happiness of the children she cared for.

After spending many years in South Bend, Indiana, Joyce later moved to Anderson, Indiana where she rescinded with her great-niece Renae. She carried herself with dignity, confidence, and a joyful spirit that brightened every room she entered. One of her favorite sayings, "You sure know how to hook a girl up!", perfectly reflected her vibrant personality and appreciation for the people who loved her.

Later in life, Joyce embraced adventure and discovered a love for traveling. She would often say “Let’s go Let’s go Let’s go!”.  Whether enjoying long road trips or boarding airplanes to new destinations with her great-niece, she found joy in exploring the world and creating treasured memories with those she loved. Music filled her heart, travel fed her soul, and she enjoyed taking time for herself, always making sure her hair and nails were beautifully done. She was a proud member of the White River Club and a faithful member of Zion Unity Baptist Church, where she exemplified the words of Proverbs 31:25 (KJV): "Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come."

Joyce is lovingly survived by her beloved and only child, James Day Jr.

She was the proud and devoted grandmother of Jamesha Day, Jonathan Day, Xavier Day, Kamari Day, Kanylah Murphy, Shaniyah Hardy, Semaj Day, and Skyrah Day.

Her beautiful legacy continues through her cherished great-grandchildren: Damya Day, Amya Sutherland, Amyra Sutherland, Aasim Sutherland, Christina Kyle, Jonathan Day Jr., Brielle Day, Brooklyn Day, and Remy Day.

She is also survived by her loving sisters, Linda (Godwin) Lewis, Mary Godwin, Lisa (Godwin) Jones, Angey Godwin, and Leslie Godwin.

Joyce shared a special bond with her beloved favorite nieces, Eva (Moody) Ruef and husband Brad Ruef, Sharina (Snowden) Green and husband Charles "Pete" Green, and her treasured grandniece, Renae (husband Adrian) Warren, along with a host of cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever treasure her memory.

She was preceded in death by her father, Willie Moody; her mother, Helen Godwin; her stepfather, John Godwin; her sister, Vernal Jean (Moody) Snowden; her sister, Kathleen Bean; her brother, Wesley Godwin; and her beloved uncle, John Smith.

Above all else, Joyce loved the Lord. Her faith was the firm foundation upon which she built her life. It sustained her through every season and inspired everyone around her to trust in God's promises. Her gentle spirit, warm smile, generous heart, unwavering strength, and steadfast love will never be forgotten.

Although our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we rejoice knowing that Joyce has received the greatest reward—a heavenly home with her Savior, Jesus Christ. Her faith, her love, and the beautiful legacy she leaves behind will continue to live on through every life she touched.

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."
— Matthew 25:23 (KJV)

As we gather to honor and remember Joyce, we invite you to celebrate not only the loss we feel but also the incredible life she lived. Please share your favorite memories, stories, and photographs on her memorial page so that future generations may continue to witness the beautiful impact of a woman whose life reflected God's love. Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit lives on in every memory shared, every life she influenced, and every heart she touched.

Celebration of Life Services

- South Bend, IN
August 22nd 12pm to 4pm - @
UAW Hall
1426 S Main St, South Bend, IN 46613

-Indianapolis, IN
September 12th 11am to 1pm - @
Zion Unity Baptist Church
3855 E 10th St, Indianapolis, IN 46201