Savolia A. Watlington Joyce, 103, of Dunbar, went home to be with the Lord on March 31, 2022.

She was born on May 4, 1918, in Matoaka, the daughter of the late Charles Ross Watlington and Minerva Hairston Watlington.

Savolia graduated Valedictorian from Norton High School in Norton, Virginia and received a B. S. degree in Education from Bluefield State College. She also studied at Marshall University, WVU and Harris Teachers College in St. Louis, MO. Savolia taught in a one room school in Virginia for two years and was a substitute teacher at Liberty Elementary and Liberty High schools for four years.

She became a social worker for the Department of Human Resources for 30 years, and retired from their as assistant administrator in Mingo County. Savolia was the first black assistant administrator in Mingo County.

Savolia was the founder and former administrator of the Harry L. Joyce Community Center in Williamson. It was the first food pantry and the first Senior Citizen's program in the city operated in The Center, the former black Liberty Elementary School, renamed and dedicated to her husband Harry L. Joyce.

After moving to Dunbar, she was involved in helping to revive a Senior Program for the West Virginia Commission on Aging. Savolia was the past President of the Institute/Dunbar Senior Citizen's Center. The City of Dunbar gave her an award in 2021 for being the oldest living resident in Dunbar. Savolia received the Living Legacy Certificate of Recognition of Distinguished Achievement and Exemplary Contributions and Service Benefiting the People of this Nation. She also received an award from the Mingo County Economic Opportunity Commission Board of Directors for Exemplary Service to Mingo County Seniors. The Mingo County Economic Opportunity Commission gave her an award for Outstanding dedication and service to the Harry L. Joyce Center of Williamson. She also holds commission of Colonel by Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels. The city of Williamson gave her the key to the city for outstanding contributions to the city. She received a 1991 award from the National Caucus and Center on Black Aged Inc. for outstanding service. In 2008, she was given the WV All Black School Lifetime Achievement award. Savolia's most cherished award was presented to her from the Logan Street First Baptist Church in recognition and appreciation for 47 years of service and composing the 100-year history of the church and beginning the process of getting the church placed on the WV Historical Registry. She was past Worthy Matron of the Order of Eastern Star, Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority, former member of NAACP – Williamson, Member of Appalachian American Indians of West Virginia, former member of Local Professional Businesswomen, Williamson. Mrs. Joyce was a member of Logan Street First Baptist Church of Williamson for 50 years. She was a past president of Institute Senior Center, Institute past member of Exodus House Church, South Charleston and a present member of the First Missionary Baptist Church of Vandalia.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her six brothers; two sisters; her loving husband, Harry Lee Joyce, Sr.; and her son, Michael Emerson Joyce.

Savolia is survived by her son, Harry Lee Joyce, Jr. (Sandra) of Olney, MD; daughter, Linda Joyce Cosby (Oliver) of South Charleston; 8 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and one great-great-granddaughter.

The family would like to thank Dr. John Frame and his staff, Dr. Thakker and his staff, Dr. Hamrick and his staff, Dr. Ashab and staff, along with and all the staff on 2 West at CAMC Memorial Hospital.

A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. on Friday, April 8, at Logan St. First Baptist Church, Williamson. Burial will follow in Mountain View Memory Gardens, Williamson.

Friends may visit from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 7, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.