Joyce A Johnson was born on January 30, 1950 and entered into eternal rest on February 28, 2016. Joyce was a native of Jersey City and was educated through the Jersey City public school system. She was raised by her parents Robert and Rosalie Hathcock and had 10 siblings, Robert, Melvin, William (Omar), Lawrence, Rowlan (Marty) Robert (Steve) Michael, Maxine, Carolyn and Barbara. Joyce wed Bernard Rouse Sr and was the devoted mother of four children Tawanna, Bernard Jr, Derick and Kim. She was the cherished grandmother of six, Alisha, Adell, Rahshawn, Derick Jr, Eugene III and Matthew. She was also the great grandmother of two, Nevin and Neylin. Joyce was employed by Bell Fuse, RCA, Berkey Photo/Colorcraft and most recently the Visiting Homemakers Services where she was a Certified Nurses Assistance and a Certified Medical Assistance for well over 10 years. She began attending New Hope Baptist church in 1996 and rejoined in 2009. She enjoyed helping others and served as a member of the New Hope Evangelistic Ministry (Soup Kitchen). Joyce had a deep love and strong bond with her sisters in Christ who served alongside of her in the Soup Kitchen. She referred to them as my "girls". Even when she could no longer serve in the ministry she would go to the soup kitchen and sit with them just to talk and visit with the guest who always had a prayer for her and wished her well. Joyce was an avid reader and a lifelong learner, a passion that was furthered by regular Bible study at both New Hope Baptist Church and Rehoboth Apostolic Church. Joyce, known for her vivacious personality loved to travel the world and visit places such as Las Vegas to visit with her daughter Tawanna and grandson Rahshawn, Maryland where she visited with her son Derick, grandchildren Adell and Derick Jr and great grandchildren Nevin and Neylin. She also traveled to Canada and the Dominican Republic with her sister Carol, and she went to Oklahoma, California and South Carolina to visit her brother Larry and sister in law Margie just to name a few. She loved spending time with her friends, siblings, children and grandchildren. She enjoyed monthly trips with her siblings Carol, Marty and Melvin, where they would dine out and spend countless hours laughing, talking and reminiscing on the "good ole days". They called themselves the "Houlihan's" crew. Joyce was also a great cook, she enjoyed trying out new recipes and she LOVED to clean. She enjoyed crocheting, collecting rare currency and coins and doing photography. She was a talented artist who stenciled from scratch. Drawing, for Joyce was a true gift which was replicated by her son Bernard Jr and grandson Eugene III. Joyce had a special relationship with all her siblings all of whom she loved dearly. She was proud of all of them and they were all very protective of her. She was well known and respected in the community through her seven brothers and three sisters who all have reputations that precedes them. Joyce loved watching the Cooking Network, Lifetime, Law and Order, Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. She also enjoyed listening to Gospel, Jazz, R & B and Old School Soul. Joyce adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren, she enjoyed watching them dance and learning new dance crazes like the "Nay Nay". The highlight of her life was her 65th birthday party where she was able to spend a wonderful time with all of her family and friends. She could not stop talking about her party and how special everyone made her feel. Joyce was a no nonsense person. "Momma" Aunt Joyce, Gan, Grandma and Ms. Rouse respectively as she was affectionately referred to by her children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and neighbors "did not play" She gave her best and she expected nothing less. She instilled the importance of a good education in all of them and encouraged them to seek knowledge and to always continue learning. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. She had so many "special" relationships with all the people in her life that it is impossible to name just a few. Joyce leaves to cherish her memory her adored children, Tawanna, Bernard Jr (Evette) Derick, Kim (Eugene Jr), grandchildren Alisha, Adell (Erenel), Rahshawn, Derick Jr, Eugene III and Matthew; siblings honored brothers Robert, Melvin, William (Sherrie), Lawrence, (Margie) Rowlan (Terri) Michael, (Carol) and dear sisters Maxine, Carolyn and Barbara (Anthony). She is predeceased by her parents Robert and Rosalie and brother, Steve. She also leaves behind a host of loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. A special acknowledgement to her nephew Larry and son in law Eugene Jr who she considered her sons. A Better Place She's in a better place right now than she's ever been before: All pain is gone: she's now at rest; nothing troubles her anymore. It's we who feel the burden of our sadness and our grief. We have to cry, to mourn our loss, before we get relief. We know we'll reconnect with her at the end of each life's road; We'll see her cherished face again when we release our earthly load. By Joanna Fuchs I'm Free Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free I'm following the path God has laid you see. I took His hand when I heard him call I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day To laugh, to love, to work, to play. Tasks left undone must stay that way I found that peace at the close of day. If my parting has left a void Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss Oh yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full, I savored much Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief Don't lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your hearts and peace to thee God wanted me now; He set me free. Acknowledgement The family of Joyce Johnson expresses their sincere gratitude for the many deeds of kindness shown during their time of sorrow. Thanks to all of her doctors, nurses and the caring professionals who cared for her. A special thanks to her neighbors who always looked out for her. This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Joyce Johnson. You are invited to add a Tribute in her memory. Please sign "Guestbook" below to add your own memories, reflections, thoughts or condolences.