Joyce Vance

Joyce Nickerson Vance, 88, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family and the devoted and loving caregivers at Regency Manor Personal Care home.
Born in 1937 in Chicago, Joyce was an avid reader and lifelong learner. She moved to Decatur, Georgia, as a child and attended Auburn University, majoring in education. She later earned her master’s degree from Georgia State and dedicated her career to serving students as a middle school librarian in the Fulton County School System, where she spent many years fostering intellectual curiosity and a love of reading.
Joyce was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend and lived a quiet and meaningful life defined by independence, loyalty, and unwavering devotion to the ones she loved. Reserved and gentle by nature, but strong in spirit, she always offered care and concern to those around her. Those who knew her appreciated her sharp wit, deep wealth of knowledge, and a certain brand of resolve that made her uniquely Joyce.
Routine and ritual brought her comfort, including weekly hair appointments with her beloved Ronnie, Jazz Classics with H. Stockton on Saturday nights, and weekly dinners with her friends. She had a lifelong love of music, chocolate, good food, traveling, nature, and the Atlanta Braves, never missing a chance to cheer them on.
Joyce also had a deep compassion for animals, especially her cats. She never hesitated to help a stray who was lost or needed a home, as she believed every creature deserved comfort, a warm spot to nap, and love. Many cats and dogs benefited from her love over the years.
Her creativity and nurturing extended to gardening, as well as her many crafts and hobbies, which allowed her to express herself and foster her love of learning. She was a dedicated member of the Atlanta Begonia Society and Chattahoochee Handweavers Guild for many years. She also enjoyed birding and raised honeybees.
Joyce also had a quiet faith that was the foundation of her life for many years. She was a longtime member of Providence Presbyterian Church, pastored by Ernie Davis, who became an “adopted” member of the family. She later joined Trinity Presbyterian Church in Atlanta.
Joyce was a devoted mother to her two children, Robert B. Vance III (Robin), who preceded her in death, and her daughter, Laura Vance Diamond. She also enjoyed close relationships with her daughter-in-law Cynthia Vance and son-in-law Richard Diamond, as well as her five grandchildren. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Erin Vance and Robbie Vance of Carrollton, and Zachary Diamond, Brooks Diamond and Caroline Diamond of Atlanta, all of whom will remember her steadiness in their lives. She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert B. Vance, Jr. (Bobby) of Atlanta. She is survived by her sister, Gaye Craig and her husband, Bill Craig of Peachtree Corners.
Joyce’s life was lived without fanfare—simple, steady, and true. In her understated way, she left her family a lasting example of integrity, resilience, grace and love.
A private memorial service is planned for the family.

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