Joyce was born on January 10, 1944 to Roy and Emily (Nickerson) Peterson in Brockton, Massachusetts, the youngest of nine children.
In 1963, Joyce met Jimmie Mercer in Avon Park, Florida. They married in November of 1964 went on to have two children. Jimmie passed away in 2014.
Joyce enjoyed gardening, reading, and making sure the birds outside her window were well-fed.
She is survived by her children Valerie and James (Amy) along with her beloved granddaughter, Cherokee and two step grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, her brother Ron (Dorene) and sister Joan.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Pet Welfare, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, an animal rescue organization whose work Joyce felt strongly about.
Services will be held at a later date.
