With family by her side, Joyce Lynn (Josephs) Pires, 71, of Bristol, RI passed away on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at the Hope Health Hospice Center in Providence. Joyce was the wife of the late Henry Medina, who was taken from her and their three children far too soon. She will be remembered for the strength and courage she showed during the most difficult times in her life.

Born in Fall River, MA, she was the daughter of the late John and Agnes (Goralski) Josephs.

Joyce graduated from Bristol High School in 1967. She worked many years at Blount Seafood in Warren, where she met many lifelong friends. She went on to work at the former Almacs and then Shaws Supermarket where she was awarded for her customer service and remembered for her kindness and contagious smile. She continued to work in customer service as a bank teller for the State Employees Credit Union in Bristol.

Joyce, a true Bristolian, enjoyed attending the Fourth of July parade each year. In later years, she could be found proudly waving the American flag in the front row of the Bristol Fourth of July Concert series. Her love for all the Fourth of July festivities could not compare to the love and pride she held for her children and grandchildren. She cherished every moment she got to spend with them. They will forever remember her annual phone call rendition of Happy Birthday that she proudly sang to the recipient or answering machine alike.

Joyce is survived by her husband Edward Pires of Bristol, her son Franky Thomas Medina of Warren, and two daughters; Stacia Jackson and her husband Christopher of Bristol, and Jennifer Lynn Medina and her fiancé, Henry Arruda of Westport, MA. She is the proud Grammy/Mimi to five grandchildren: Rachal, Chase, Thea, Katrina, and Khloe. Joyce is also survived by her sister Jacqueline Haskins of Warren. She was preceded in death by her sister Charlotte Pires of Bristol.

Joyce loved animals, especially dogs; she loved and cared for many over the years. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Robert Potter League, 87 Oliphant Lane, Middletown, RI 02842.

Funeral services and burial will be private. Arrangements are by Smith Funeral & Memorial Services, 8 Schoolhouse Road, Warren, RI, 02885.

Information/On-line condolences please visit- www.wjsmithfh.com