Joyce Patricia Tarver

November 17, 1934 - September 16, 2021

Joyce Patricia Bowser was born November 17, 1934 to Genester Bowser in Smithfield, Isle of Wight County, Virginia. Joy Pat as she was affectionately called, was raised by her grandmother Ninner Bowser. Joyce was educated in the Smithfield public school system until she moved to Newport News Virginia, and then to Montclair New Jersey. She earned her high school diploma from Montclair High School in 1952 and earned her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from the Community College of Philadelphia in 1982. Joyce received Christ at an early age at Mount Tabor Church of God In Christ in Smithfield Virginia. In 1962, Joyce joined and became an active member of Second Macedonia Baptist Church. She served on the Women’s Auxiliary, Senior Choir, Nurse’s Ministry and attended weekly bible study. In high school, Joyce met Marvin Price Sr; they later married and moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. From this union five beautiful children were born, Patricia Ann, Vernon, Marvin Jr, Gwendolyn and Gloria. Joyce later met and married Nathaniel “Mr. Danny” Tarver in 1977; they lived blissfully and were doting grandparents until Mr. Danny’s death in 1994. Joyce had several jobs and careers throughout her life. Her first job was as a dietary aide at age 16 at Mountainside Hospital in Montclair NJ. After Joyce moved to Philadelphia, she continued her work as a dietary aide at Friends Hospital. She also worked at I.T.E. Circuit Breaker Company, and the United States Defense Industrial Supply Company (DISC) for 12 years as a data supply clerk. Upon retirement from DISC in 1996, Joyce began working as a substitute pre kindergarten teacher with The School District of Philadelphia until retirement in 2008. Joyce loved her children and granddaughters and created many family traditions including hosting weekly Sunday dinners and birthday celebrations. Joyce was present for every event in her children’s and grandchildren’s lives often providing transportation including graduations, plays, sporting events, and college move in days. She enjoyed traveling; she visited The Bahamas (several times), The United Kingdom, Jamaica, and many US cities. Joyce had a passion for baking, she took a pastry class while at Community College of Philadelphia, and began making pound cakes and her famous pecan pies. Joyce leaves to cherish her memory, daughters Patricia Watford and Gwendolyn Price, sons Vernon Price and Marvin Price Jr., Son in Law Quinton Watford,  granddaughters Tamika, Gloria (Caleb), Michelle, Joyce, Danielle (Kalefe), Kelly and Briana. Great grandsons Rafiq, Morrell, Kameran, Daniel, Zelwyn and Karter. Great Granddaughters Nyla, Kayla, Logan, Kamiyah, Jayonna, and Mariah. Her aunt Mary Graves, sister in law Joanne Watterson and a host of other loving relatives and friends. Joyce was preceded in death by her mother Genester, daughter Gloria, granddaughter LaChelle, husband Nathaniel Tarver and Step-Father, Smith Oliver Jr. Even during times of social distancing, anyone who has suffered a loss deserves love and support more than ever before. Let the family know you care by leaving treasured memories, thoughts and prayers on the Tribute Wall.